Scripture:
Proverbs 21:1-6, 10-13
Luke 8:19-21
Reflection:
“Blind man stood on the road and cried. He cried, ‘Oh Lord, show me the way’. Blind man stood on the road and cried”.
~ Spiritual, anonymous, about 1920
The Responsorials today really touched me as they spoke with authoritative words of guidance in making decisions in following God’s law. But I struggle to understand what God wants from me when the world presents such complex choices, when there is no clearly right path. “Lead me in the path of your commands”.
I remember something Fr. Randal told me that has stuck with me all these years; “You have real faith when you keep on listening even when we think we can’t hear His voice.”
“Guide me Lord, in the way of your commands.” I strive to understand the commandments and look to live a good life, but Lord I look to you to help me discern the way to turn when the decisions are important and confusing, when the roads are all dimly lit and none offers a clear path?
I am that blind man on the road begging for guidance, Lord. In desperation I fall back on the old cliché of “What would Jesus do?” But there are times when I wish I could read the mind of God because I have no idea what Jesus would do. “Give me discernment, that I may observe your law and keep it with all my heart”. I must spend the time to continue to listen for Your voice, my Father. I must turn off the vacuous calliope of noise and distraction of constantly streaming media and search for your voice in that silence where true discernment can be found. I must find Your voice which I know I will find only in that silence, and in that one humble request, “Lord, show me the way”.
Ray Alonzo is the father of three children, grandfather of two, and husband to Jan for 45 years. He is a USN Vietnam Veteran, and a 1969 graduate of Mother of Good Counsel Passionist Prep Seminary. Ray currently serves on the Passionist Alumni Council.