The Hidden Chain
Years ago my mother shared with me an image she had been given in prayer. She saw a heart chained down, with angels flying all around it working to cut the chains holding it down.
Upon my own reflections, I saw the Sacred Heart pouring out blood and water, similar to the rays of the Divine Mercy image, and beginning to cover the human heart. As the blood and water flowed over the heart and begin to drip off, they came in contact with the chains and ropes holding down the heart and began to dissolve them. Furthermore, the wounds left in the heart by the hooks began to heal.
At the time of these reflections, I was in St. John Vianney seminary, completing the Spirituality Year while discerning the priesthood in the Archdiocese of Denver. During thanksgiving break that year, I decided to draw the image I had seen.
Several weeks later we had a guest lecturer come in to give a presentation. Now Fr. Peter Musset is known for a variety of characteristics, personality traits, and abilities. One in particular is his interest in all things creative. After his presentation in our small classroom, I decided to share the drawing with him. In conversing with him, an interesting detail about the drawing became apparent:
There were 6 chains and ropes attached or breaking. If each one represented one of the deadly sins, one was missing. Or so I thought.
The recent buzz around "pride" month, as well as conversations about Catholic online influencers stirred many thoughts as of late. I came back to this image, reflecting upon the reality that so many of us attempt to "pour out" ourselves, becoming means of healing and freeing others. However, there are 2 issues here (at the very least, that is). The first is that upon the destruction of the chains holding back our hearts, the freedom of heart is not so that our hearts might be postured to turn outwards, but that we might ascend further into union with His Most Sacred Heart. That we might be drawn closer to the source of love and grace.
The first movement in response should not be outward, but inward.
Not inward to ourselves of course, but inward: into Christ. If the concept of "inward to Christ" seems elusive to grasp, then I cannot recommend reading "The Interior Castle" by St. Teresa of Avila enough. I am already at the limits of my abilities writing this, so I shall not even attempt to explain the nuances for fear of speaking in error.
Now, the second issue is at the heart of what many are speaking on in regards to the concerning state of "online Catholic influencer culture," or whatever you want to call it:
The 7th chain is not missing, it is just so masterfully hidden at times that it appears to be invisible to us. And this is the deadly sin of pride.
When upon an interior movement of the heart we so quickly turn outward - whether it is to make a correction or share a thought or reveal a private and interior revelation - we put ourselves at great risk of acting in pride without even realizing it. It is essentially a proclamation that, "God has given me what I need, and now I can do something with what He has given me." While this isn't necessarily wrong, it misses the point. God does not love us so that we can in return do something for Him. The concluding doxology of the Eucharistic prayer is not "after Him, in gratitude of Him, for Him." Per ipsum, et cum ipso, et in ipso - it's "through Him, and with Him, and in Him". To depart from being fixed on Him, even for a moment, is simply utter folly.
I am not saying that we should just avoid good works when we see the opportunity and the need and have inspiration, but only that our first response should be further into union with Christ.
If something angers you, share that with Him.
If something hurts you, share that with Him.
If something offends you, share that with Him.
Then let Him guide what you shall do through Him, with Him, and in Him, and not forget Him because you are trying to do something for Him.
If you are looking to understand this more, or want more practical ways of avoiding the error and finding the golden mean of virtue, then watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79vRZgcG7oY&list=PLt2362IQzKYUMIg63e8Houl7gpBpLex9W&index=1. Smarter men then I cover this in greater detail and with greater wisdom.