August 20, 2022

Intentionality replaces sentimentality in a mature adult faith.  When we are young, our religious imaginations tend to be caught up in the heroic stories of saints, our hearts in the fervor of devotion, our minds in the beauty of ecclesiastical logic, and our senses in the rich symbolism of the liturgy.  As time goes on, however, our souls grow wary of being caught up in anything at all and long instead to stand on something that lasts.  To be intentional is a decision, a firm act of the will that draws us out of our comfort zones into the deep (Lk 5:4) where the one whom our hearts love (Song 3:3) actually dwells.  Perhaps this is the essence of Jesus’ entire ministry, that is, taking a risk on his heavenly Father as he encountered the poor and proclaimed the truth over the predictable rubrics and emotional highs of temple worship (Mt 12:6-7).  Perhaps we ourselves need to be honest about our affinity for all the fanfare, outward appearances and spiritual consolations.  Whatever the case may be, wallowing in sweet religious feelings is not enough.  We must cultivate a deep intentionality which at some point will allow us to get up from the tax table (Mt 9:9), extend our hands in trust (Jn 21:18), and follow wherever he leads us (Jn 8:12). Ave Crux, Spes Unica.