For the traveler who truly desires to reach their destination, the most important thing is to have a clear view of the path. They are grateful for clear signs, even if they sometimes point toward a narrower and more difficult trail, and they flee from paths that—though wide and comfortable to walk—lead nowhere… or lead to a precipice. We must have the greatest interest in forming our conscience well, for it is the light that allows us to distinguish good from evil, and the one that leads us to ask for forgiveness and regain the path of goodness if we have lost it. The Church provides us with the means, but does not exempt us from the effort of using them responsibly.
Reflection for Prayer
In our prayer today, we might ask ourselves:
Do I dedicate the necessary time to my spiritual formation, or do I frequently allow myself to be absorbed by the other things that fill the day?
Do I have a reading plan, reviewed in spiritual direction, that helps me progress in my spiritual formation according to my age and culture?
Am I faithful to the teachings of the Magisterium of the Church, knowing that in it I find the light of truth amidst the contradictory opinions on matters of faith, social teachings, etc., that I frequently encounter?
Do I strive to know it and make it known? Do I comply with it with docility and piety?
Do I frequently rectify my intention by offering my works to God, keeping in mind that as humans we tend to seek applause, vanity, and praise in what we do, and that conscience is often distorted through these doors?
A Torch for Others
We need light and clarity for ourselves and for those by our side. Our responsibility is very great. The Christian is placed by God as a torch that illuminates others in their journey toward God. We must form ourselves "in view of that avalanche of people who will come upon us with the precise and demanding question: 'Well, what must be done?'"
Children, relatives, colleagues, and friends look at our behavior, and we must lead them to God. So that the guide of the blind is not also blind, it is not enough to know the way "by hearsay" or by reference; to lead our relatives and friends to God, a vague and superficial knowledge of the path is not enough. It is necessary to walk it.
That is to say: to have a relationship with the Lord, to grow deeper in the knowledge of His doctrine, and to maintain a concrete struggle against our defects. In a word: to lead the way in the interior struggle and in example. To be exemplary in our profession, in the family... "He who has the mission of saying great things," says St. Gregory the Great, "is equally obliged to practice them." And only if he practices them will what he says be effective.
When Jesus Christ wanted to teach the disciples how they were to practice the spirit of service with one another, He girded Himself with a towel and washed their feet. That is what we must do: make Christ known by being exemplary in our daily tasks, turning the Lord's doctrine into life.
HCD