August 27, 2007

Our Dangerous Capacity

We all have the capacity for a hard heart. The scriptures are full of examples from salvation history. In Exodus 14 we read about Pharaoh’s hardness of heart. After experiencing many miracles he was reluctant to let God’s people go in freedom. His obstinate heart drove him to follow the fleeing Israelites into the midst of the miraculously parted sea. In the Gospel, Jesus had many encounters with hardened hearts. Some of the people who witnessed His miracles and heard His teaching became quite offended. Yes, we all have the capacity for a hard heart.

Where does this capacity come from? Love is the key. God is love. Everything that God does comes from His love. Freedom is an essential element of love. Love is not love if it is not free. Thus, our Creator endowed us with free will. This gift makes us capable of loving. This gift, if misused, makes us capable of a hard heart. It is a two-edged sword. In the Acts of the Apostles we read some very wise words from the famous Pharisee Gamaliel: “You might even be found opposing God!” ( 5:39).

Pray for the grace to properly use the gift of free will. Let us serve Love and Truth without counting the cost.

Pray, pray, pray,

Fr. Luke Mary Fletcher, CFR

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