A Jesuit Catholic University
in Omaha, Nebraska, since 1878

[222] Isa 58:9b-14 Ps 86:1-2, 3-4, 5-6 Luke 5:27-32

Weekly Guide for Daily Prayer The Daily Reflections

Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth. (Psalm 86:11)

Winter in the Northwoods of Wisconsin brings a beauty of its own and one of my favorite ways to enjoy it is by walking our gigantic Bernese Mountain Dog, Oliver, through trails in the woods.  As I trudge through the newly fallen snow this afternoon, I smile at the artistic representation of camaraderie in the footprints Oliver and I are leaving behind us.  My heavy winter boots leave a solid and sure path down the center of the trail.  Because I invited him along on this journey, his massive paw prints prod alongside mine for a while in a “man’s best friend” sort of way.  However, after several yards, his tracks become more erratic.  He veers to the left side of the trail, then to the right, nose to the ground.  At times he falls behind and I must beckon for him to join, while at others he notices my progress and catches up on his own.  Soon, he is tempted by some rabbit tracks and heads straight out into the woods.  When he’s too far out of sight for my comfort, I give him a whistle and he comes galloping back over the crest of the hill to continue on our way.  Again, after dutifully sticking near me, he catches a tempting scent, stops, and looks ready to bolt.  This time, he gives me a look as if to ask for permission.  With a gentle tap of my hand to my thigh, he frolics back to me, content to follow my command. 

At times he is obedient and stays by my side, other times he is off making his own decisions.  Sometimes it takes only a gentle reminder and occasionally I need to be stern with him to get him back on course.  And even though his footprints crisscross my steady gait, we finally arrive at our destination atop a high hill where I wrap my arms around him and we celebrate with a joyous romp in the snow.

Perhaps my faith journey and Oliver have more in common than I had previously thought.  While the religious parallel that God revealed to me on this walk is apparent, there are a few specific ideas that I now see with new eyes.  Just as how I meant only the best for Oliver and his safety by denying him his temptations at times, God sometimes uses other people to correct my faltering way.  While it’s often difficult to graciously accept criticism or correction, I am reminded now that it’s always with my best interest at heart that God sends those voices into my life.  Secondly, I never took my eyes off of my dog.  Although we tend to feel like we are wandering alone in the forest of life, God incessantly watches us in a protective and adoring fashion.  Finally, I feel myself swell up with pride when Oliver hears my call and returns to my side, hence I glimpse to a slight degree how God must feel when I resist temptation or celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Yes, we will falter and run off after temptations away from our walk with God.  Yes, there will be times that he will need to scold us.  But if we are able to continue to turn back to him through Confession and improved obedience, we can enjoy his warm embrace at the end of our journey.

Take a few minutes now to join me in asking the Holy Spirit to reveal to you where you are in your walk with God.  How may God be calling you back to him?