Allowing Ourselves to Be Seen as We Are
“Even now, says the LORD, return to me with your whole heart…” – Jl 2:12
I was recently blessed with a grace-filled annual retreat. I experienced consolation and the call to simply “be with” Jesus in whatever activity or rest I found myself. The important invitation—both the ongoing longing and challenge—was to allow myself to be seen by Jesus as I really am. All of me. My whole person. My whole heart. No curation. No hiding. No shame.
God shares this invitation with each of us during Lent, to return to God with our “whole heart.” Yet, while I long for these wholehearted encounters, I hesitate to be seen, known, and loved more fully. I’m often tempted to allow pride, resentment, or shame—the inner voice that says “I am bad”—to prevent me from turning to God wholly as I am. Honestly, I’d rather give up sweets or social media, than turn my heart fully towards God. An outer change is much easier than an inner conversion.
I’m in continual need of the reminder that our God is “slow to anger, rich in kindness, and relenting in punishment.” I need reminding that I can more powerfully receive Jesus’ healing and forgiveness when I allow myself to be seen as I really am.
May God enable us to begin this Lenten journey with grace. May we make greater space in our hearts to receive God’s merciful gaze in whole-hearted encounters, especially through small steps of prayer, giving, and fasting.
Jesus, may we turn to you and allow our whole hearts to be seen. And let our hearts be drawn to yours, beat with yours, discern with yours, love with yours.
David Romero, SJ