Yes, I understand it, but it’s no use. However much I sit down and try to be in silence or to place myself in the presence, a host of thoughts come to me. It’s incredible, but they are a multitude; I had never seen so many before. I get discouraged. Only sometimes does it seem to me that there is a different gaze, but it is as if I were forcing it from the head; it doesn’t really change.

Of course. It is not something that happens like turning a knob. Our gaze does not change just because we realise the need for transformation. More is needed. What is up to us is to clear away obstacles. There are several limitations or barriers that prevent us from receiving grace and letting ourselves be carried by it. We need to broaden our capacity for self-surrender. Abandoning ourselves increasingly to the will of God is a process that may take time, but it is full of meaning (Luke 12:22-31). It is the deep significance on which to lean.

Anxiety, psychological fear, worry, anguish, sadness, anger and visceral aversion towards someone are just some examples of these obstacles we are speaking of (Genesis 35:2). They are like junk in a room and leave no space. There is no air, we cannot move freely there, and the clutter is so great that we feel like locking the door and never going in again. This usually emerges with greater force when we set ourselves to pray or meditate.

Excessive accumulation and disorder are resolved by throwing out what is left over and putting things in order (Matthew 6:19). There is no special science to this. In a house, space is limited. In the same way, our physical and psychic strength also has its limits. If we want to find what is important and devote ourselves to it, we must let go of the inessential. We cannot serve two masters, or have our cake and eat it too (Matthew 6:24).

But what does it mean in concrete terms?

Clearly defining priorities; abandoning activities that do not fit within them, and avoiding dispersion and disorder, both outside and inside. I propose something to you: choose a room or some drawers that are especially untidy. Perhaps a corner of the patio or the balcony, some shelves full of things, or even your bookcase. Spend a good while putting things in order. Do not be afraid to throw away, discard or set aside things to give to whoever may need them. We need to learn to let go. If you cannot find a specific place, you can give your house or your room a good cleaning for the same purpose.

But approach it in an attitude of spiritual practice. If you allow it, what you do outwardly with objects will gradually have repercussions on your inner contents. Try to pray while you do this exercise. You should do it calmly and impeccably. If you lack time, devote a while to it over several days. From then on, you can establish an intentional relationship between outer harmony and the alignment of your faculties. It can be a great help. Be patient. If you learn this well, you can then do the same in the mansions of the soul.

If you can, go back to the map you made days ago and review what you wrote down. Or devote more time to it. You need to detect clearly the priorities, the excesses and the obstacles in the different areas, without trying to implement changes hastily. First see clearly, then invoke grace a great deal, and in the end the changes come about gently, more through a conjunction of intention and prayer than through any particular action (Mark 4:30-32).

Then observe how everything looks after your work. Is it to your liking? Aspire, then, to that same harmony for your life. The right proportion in all aspects is the root of sobriety. “A voice cries out in the wilderness: prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight…” (Mark 1:3) will begin to take on a new meaning. A fraternal embrace, invoking the Holy Name of Jesus.

(To be continued)

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