Thomas Merton once said that each moment of every day was filled with the seeds of God’s love, seeds of God’s action, God’s presence in our lives. Unfortunately, most people wander through life as if they were blind, as Jesus says today. We do not recognize God’s action in our lives. We become like the people of Israel who, as the prophet Jeremiah mentions in the first reading, simply forgot all that God had done for them. The devotion of youth and the initial love of the honeymoon is forgotten. The wisdom of seeing with faith, listening with faith, and being attentive to God’s presence is a discipline. It requires time, patience, and practice. Without the that daily practice we become hard-hearted, blind, and deaf to God’s call and plan. This makes us sad – many times without even realizing that we are sad or without recognizing the origin of our sadness and depression.
I did my clinical internship year in psychology in Lima in a public mental hospital. Lack of interconnectedness leads to violence. Depression leads to internal violence – suicide. Neurosis and delusions lead to violence – violence and abuse against others. Loss of a sense of connectedness to God leads to despair and often violence.
As Catholics we are so blessed because we have so many practices that can open up our eyes, ears, and heart. Some of these practices include Catholic doctrine, teachings, customs, traditions, customs, liturgy, the Word of God, the Sacraments, the local faith community, the communion of the saints, service, the Lord’s Day of rest, the works of charity, prayer, Catholic songs, Catholic poetry, personal meditation, icons, or art. Additionally, we also have a wealth of experience in the people around us who can help us discern to presence of God in our lives: our Catholic family, friends, priests, religious and the local faith community. And finally, we have the beauty of God’s creation all around us. What a refreshing and stimulating experience it is just to take a walk in a park or forest.
To paraphrase Jesus’ comments today: understanding with our hearts and practicing conversation leads to true healing. Take time to discipline your eyes, ears, and attention to God’s constant presence and action your lives.
But blessed are your eyes, because they see,
and your ears, because they hear.
Image: Canva CJ Dunn 22July2026 AI Generated.