GOD’S FAVORITE HIDING PLACE
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted. - Psalm 34:18
In the recent years of my career as a psychologist, I have been honing in on what it means to examine one’s heart. Upon reading today’s responsorial psalm, I was immediately drawn to the idea of God’s nearness to the brokenhearted.
Working with students within the foster care system and juvenile justice system, I often hear about the trauma, suffering, and injustice that many experience. My favorite question to ask during every counseling session is this: “What has been on your heart lately?” For most students, hearing the question usually draws a confused or blank look. But with every session, I observe that they better identify the things that weigh heavy on their hearts and minds. Although I do not explicitly discuss religion during counseling, my choice to ask this question leans on my personal faith.
After attending several Christus Ministries retreats, I have learned from a very wise Jesuit priest that God’s favorite hiding place is in each and every one of our hearts. I find that having my students look into their hearts often leads them to reflect on their pain, worries, suffering, and disappointments; but also their joys, loves, and inherent goodness. With this lens, I believe that counseling has the ability to chip away at the hardness around our hearts and to heal what is broken. Moreover, God’s home in each and every one of our hearts is a reminder of his tenderness for the things we deeply bear. It is a promise of healing, an eventual glorification, much like Christ’s passion story.
During this Lenten season, I ask you this, “What has been on your heart lately?” My prayer is for all those who are brokenhearted at this time: the poor, the hungry, the homeless, the ill, those in prison, and those facing violence and injustice; may they experience peace and healing and may they trust in the nearness of God.
Christopher Tran