How quickly can you think of ways your life would be less complicated if “every mountain were made low” and “the rough ways made smooth”? Of course, there’s no magical snap of the fingers that accomplishes that, not even with faith. But there’s a real urgen sense in the Gospel today that disciples of Jesus need to root out any obstacles to grace — some of which we might have erected ourselves. How do we get in our own way of a closer relationship with Jesus? Do we overcomplicate our spiritual practices to the point where we lose sight of the goal? What familiar mountains or pitfalls do we find in our hearts, and how have we tried changing direction?
- Reflection by Elizabeth Hansen in “Celebrating Sunday for Catholic Families 2024-25” published by Liturgy Training Publications.