At a retreat, a person commented on how difficult was for them to cope with their personal situation. They were completely moved, trying not to burst into profuse tears. But the tears were already present.
Then, the person leading the retreat asked them this question:
– Are you ready to let go of that experience?
– Yes!
–Because sometimes we get used to carrying something, and it is difficult for us to let go.
Witnessing this dialogue gave me much material for my personal prayer. The question I asked myself, and that I now share with you, is:
–Is there something that I have gotten used to carrying and maybe I don’t want to let go?
This person said they wanted a new life.
And is Jesus who gives us new life. Only that the new life comes after we have died, as part of the resurrection.
Have you met someone who enjoys complaining about the same thing?
It doesn’t have to be you.
As have I also been… hahaha.
Letting go of non-life-giving experiences is not necessarily easy, nor is it always obvious. Many of us carry patterns of behavior, thoughts or feelings so ingrained that they become almost “natural.” But they are not a source of life.
Can you recognize something in yourself that does not lead you to a fulfilled life?
Jesus, to have a new life through the resurrection, surrendered his. No one killed Jesus, Jesus gave his life voluntarily.
In scripture, the letter to the Romans reminds us that through baptism we can receive new life.
But what happens when we don’t want or know how to let go of difficult experiences?
Are you and I willing to let go of the experiences that keep us nailed to the cross?
Let us remember that we are called to carry the cross, not to remain nailed to the cross.
If the Spirit leads you, share with Jesus the carpenter what you perceive is preventing you from enjoying a new life. And perhaps, you will discover the aspects of your life that God invites you to let go.
Marisol
P.S.: We can hear about the new life we can enjoy in the readings of the XIII Ordinary Sunday, year/cycle A.
P.S.2: You can delve deeper into what Christian Spirituality can offer you for a new life in the Christian Spirituality program at the Center for Religion and Spirituality, in the fall of 2026. Offered in Spanish.
