You Are Wrong: Encountering Reality

The other day while in spiritual direction, my priest charmingly said three little words that have been on replay for the last couple of days: “You are wrong.”

I don’t remember the conversation word for word, but I think it went something like this:

The Holy Spirit had lately given me the grace to see how judgemental I could be in situations. I proceeded to tell my priest that I didn’t do it with a malicious heart, but I couldn’t sympathize with people’s incongruencies. In cases like that, I tend to walk away from those people, figuratively, of course. I simply don’t want to socialize with them. I know I’m not perfect, but at least I don’t flaunt about things I know are sinful. (Sounds even worst as I type it out, yikes).

My judgment comes from not understanding why people who call themselves Catholics behave in contradictory ways. How can one claim to be humble yet take pride in worldly things? Or why would someone boast about going to parties and getting drunk? How can someone be part of many ministries yet talk illy of others? 

Introspection

My priest patiently listened then told me he understood, but I was wrong for having that attitude. 

I am so grateful for his response. I am wrong, and I needed someone to point it out. Come to think about it, I’ve heard those words generously from my mom before, but I wouldn’t listen. Maybe others have tried to tell me, and I simply ignore their advice. It wasn’t until now that my heart and mind were open enough to let those three words move me to change. And I’ve been meditating on that. 

While I have no problem putting out my flaws and sins now, I am by no means close to doing so at the moment, nor am I good at apologizing. Through God’s grace, I have been able to work on that, as I discussed previously, but my humanness still loves to exaggerate and point out “the speck in my neighbor’s eye, but not notice the log in my own eye” (Matthew 7:3). 

This made me realize that pride is more prominent in my life than I thought. And had this realization been brought up a few years ago, it would’ve broken me. I would’ve not have known how to handle such atrocious sin, let alone the fact that someone was telling me I was wrong. Before, I would’ve cried for days detesting myself, but now, I can see that God speaks to us truth in a gentle yet stern way that will help us grow in holiness. It’s more than okay to hate our sins, and it is through the anger that kindles from the hatred that should ignite our willingness to change for God’s glory. That is what He desires most, our purity of mind, body, and soul so we may spend eternity with Him. 

God’s timing is beautiful. 

It’s a long journey to sainthood, but not impossible. You and I should hope in God’s mercy so that one day we shall be united in His sacred love. In the meantime, God gives us wonderful resources to nurture our way through the journey. The most important one is the Eucharist, but also each other. There is a reason Jesus says, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'” (Matthew 22:36-40). 

For me, this has been demonstrated by the dear people God has placed in my life: my parents and family members, my spiritual director, friends, and even strangers. And I thank all of them for their patience and charitable love as they put up with my sinfulness. 

You are not alone

So, yes, I am wrong in many things. I am still learning how to grow in virtue. But through Jesus, I trust that the Holy Spirit will grant me the graces needed to fulfill my duties as a daughter of the Father. I certainly pray God wills this for you as well. 

And while we all have different crosses to bear, don’t forget you are not alone. Christ is there with you. The Church on heaven and earth is praying for you. I am cheering you on. You can learn to move past your wrongfulness through Christ, Our Lord. 

One last thing, digesting those three little words took some time. I highly recommend reading the Word of God, going to daily mass, spending time with Jesus in adoration, and going to confession regularly. Oh, and do not worry if you can’t find a spiritual director or make holy friendships. God knows the desires of your heart, and He will provide you with the things that will lead you to sanctity (Luke 12: 22). In my case, I wasn’t consciously seeking a spiritual director, but God blessed me with a fabulous one anyway. God works in mysterious ways. 

God bless! 

Let me know how I can pray for you ♡

One of the best ways to work against pride is to pray with the Litany of Humility. It touches your heart differently after recognizing your pridefulness.