TRUE INTENTIONS
All the ways of a man may be right in his own eyes, but it is the Lord who proves hearts. – Proverbs 21:2
Alex
and Dan both work for a company that runs even during holidays. Alex is
single, Dan has a family. Every Holy Week, a skeletal team works. For
this, they draw lots. Dan was picked but his family was set for a trip.
He asked Alex to take the slot. Normally, Alex would volunteer since he
also needed money. But he begged off so he could attend a retreat.
Dan
fumed and accused Alex of being selfish. He even used the Bible to give
Alex “fraternal correction.” He said Alex ought to think about Dan’s
kids and be more selfless.
Dan
wasn’t at peace with what he did, but he convinced himself it was for
his family and Alex needed the money. But underneath the superficial
intentions, he also didn’t want to miss his drinking spree with his
college buddies and wouldn’t really be able to bond with his kids.
As the verse puts it, one may convince himself about the correctness of his actions but God sees our real intentions.
The
following year, both Dan and Alex were picked, but there was only one
available single guy, and he volunteered to take Alex’s slot. Dan had to
work during the holiday while Alex finally had his retreat. Carlo Lorenzo (carloflorenzo@yahoo.com)
REFLECTION:
Putting all the justifications aside, do I have inner peace with my decisions?
Dear God, search my heart daily and reveal to me the intentions I try to hide from myself.
St. Elzear and Blessed Delphina, pray for us.
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