Cutting the Ties that Bind

As I stated in an earlier post, many times, while traveling my own “Sacred Walk Home”, I have heard these words, “Don’t look back, look up and see all the greatness I have in store for you”, and this has brought me immense comfort over the years.
However, our spiritual condition can come under attack through life experiences such as the death of a loved one, job loss, illness, accident, broken relationships, moving, etc.; all causing deep emotional distress.
Many of those I have encountered in a spiritual setting find it difficult to look up because life can seem so heavy. The tremendous burden of fear, anger, resentment, bitterness and un-forgiveness that finds its way into our hearts often causes one to look down or feel beaten down.
It can be challenging to let go of the ties we have to one who has transitioned to a higher call in heaven, or has moved completely out of the picture. This creates a void in the heart, confusion in the mind, and trauma settles in the body.
There can be a desire to constantly revisit what was, instead of embracing what is.
I believe it is important to march beside Christ into the depths of loneliness, despair and brokenness, to find freedom and redemption in his Light and Resurrection.
I have taken the Golgotha trek over the years when trauma has visited by life.
God will always give us what we need if we are paying attention.
In the spring of 2008, Lent was fast approaching, and God wanted me to encourage members of our Catholic faith community to retrace Jesus’ steps, using the “Stations of the Cross” as a map for our spiritual journey together.
During our weekly gathering, I broke the ‘Stations” down, as part of my homily, using references from scripture as a backdrop, tying in the spiritual significance of each stop along the way.
The Holy Spirit, the “Inner Ticker of all life” was stirring within me to go deeper.
As I was writing, the Lord began to give me pictures of his journey and his impressions through meditation.
I had a hard time keeping up with the information that was coming in, typing as fast as my fingers could move. I kept pace and remained devoted to the task, knowing I would have the opportunity to share it with others.
This exercise in faith, combined with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist proved to be a life-changing experience for those of us who gathered together, including members who were homebound, and pilgrims who lived in other parts of our nation and the world.
I am now sharing this information with those I encounter via the spiritual retreats I facilitate. It is exciting to see the transformation among those who are searching and broken.
By cutting the ties that bind, I believe one can ascend to her/his prominent post in life, and look up to see the greatness that God has in store for each person through mental, physical and spiritual healing!