Forgiven: A Meditation on a Mallet, a Nail and La Salette

I recall your Gospel words to “come and see.” I’ve listened time and time again to your Mother’s words at La Salette: “Unless they are converted...” But how often have I thought of this invitation as applying especially to the other sinners in the world, and not so much to me? It’s been easier to keep the call of ongoing conversion on the back burner.

However, in special moments, Lord, when I look at myself honestly, at times I weep for what my life has become. But maybe these tears are the beginning of my true change of heart. I’ve often meditated on your call to discipleship. I’ve often heard your words spoken by your Mother at La Salette. But somehow I still prefer to retain the mallet and the nail.Desperately I hang onto the mallet and the nail that not only have crucified you but also deepen my own emptiness. They are apt symbols of my many attachments, my blindness, indifference, individualism, and my materialistic view of life. I’m very comfortable with them. On the other hand, Lord, I find conversion very scary. It demands a change of my heart and that will hurt. It requires a turning from myself to you and that is not easy. Above all, conversion demands my letting go. And so, I hold tight to the mallet and the nail.

 Yet, Lord, I truly believe that throughout my life you have been supporting me. At times I have felt your strong arms lifting me up in times of trial, urging me to look at myself more honestly. You seem to be hoping that I will finally understand that I am not so much hurting you as hurting myself. And I see that you lovingly refuse to let me go!

As I now gaze upon this image, Lord, I see your strong, pierced hands. I guess it’s time to surrender myself to your love. Help me let go of my pride and allow your transforming love and forgiveness to change me into a better likeness of you. Looking down at me, you whisper, urging me to let go of the mallet and the nail. Instead you offer me the pincers of reconciliation and new life. You tell me to take them in my hands and accept the new life you offer me—the freedom of the children of God.

Lord, finally I am beginning to understand that your greatest desire and Mary’s prayer for me at La Salette is that I be reconciled with you, and those you have given me to love—including myself. You are my Savior and Reconciler, my greatest Treasure, my best Friend. Help me to finally let go of the mallet and nail and rest

See: other reflections on La Salette Spirituality: www.lasalette.org  (based on a prayer reflection by  Fr. Fernand Cassista, M.S.,