Do I really trust in the Lord?
Cultivating Childlike Trust and Christlike Prudence
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Trust is at the foundation of any relationship, including our relationship with God. In this thought-provoking excerpt from Don Dolindo's commentary on Mark chapter 11, he examines the depth of our trust in divine providence. He asks the piercing question: "Do I really trust in the Lord?"
With humility and wisdom, Don Dolindo probes our tendency to pay lip service to trust in God while functionally relying more on money, medicine, other people's kindness, or even just natural phenomena. We may elevate ourselves as judges of God's providence while failing to truly believe in His goodness at a heart level.
Even when we do pray with some confidence, Don Dolindo notes that the acid test is whether our hearts are aligned with charity - truly forgiving those who wrong us and opening ourselves to God's reciprocal generosity. He reminds us that insincere or self-interested prayers cannot unlock the full potential of God's beneficence.
Through this passage from his Mark 11 commentary, Don Dolindo holds up a mirror to our souls. His thoughtful examination invites deep self-reflection on the authenticity of our trust in divine care. It is a call to examine if and where we may be gripped by feelings of doubt, entitlement, or secret bitterness that choke our pipeline to divine grace.
As we dive deeper into this rich excerpt, may our eyes and hearts be opened to transcend any hollow faith or double-mindedness. May we rediscover a childlike trust in God's omnipotent goodness and rely on Him alone as the solid rock in every storm.
"It is a sorrow that sometimes overwhelms me," laments Don Dolindo, resonating with the psalmist's cry, "How long must I bear pain in my soul?" (Psalm 13:2) Whenever he reads Christ's words assuring that prayer is effective, Don Dolindo confesses he must "dismiss [his] lack of faith as a temptation." Despite Jesus' crystal-clear promise that "whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours" (Mark 11:24), Don Dolindo confesses his lived experience often seems opposite to that assurance when he observes his own life or the lives of others.
"But when have I ever prayed with the certainty of being heard, a certainty that is full hope in God?" Don Dolindo courageously confronts his wavering trust. Like Peter denying Christ, Don Dolindo suddenly realizes the subtle ways he has relied on substitutes - money, medicine and human approval - rather than fully trusting in Christ, the Shepherd who "shall supply my every need" (Philippians 4:19).
With humility, Don Dolindo sees how frequently he has "elevated himself as a judge of God's Providence" - the very God who declares, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways" (Isaiah 55:8). Though he is but "a small worm," Don Dolindo confesses he insults the Lord by refusing to believe His unfailing goodness. His faith has faltered like the apostle crying out "I believe; help my unbelief!" (Mark 9:24).
Even when praying confidently, Don Dolindo asks himself the question whether his heart is in tune with charity - the love that "bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things"? (1 Cor 13:7). Does he "truly forgive from the heart all those who hinder or offend" him? Is his heart expansive enough to receive the outpouring of blessings from the "Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change" (James 1:17)?
As Don Dolindo exposes gaps between our professed and functional trust, he calls us to sincere self-examination before God. When we humbly admit our divided hearts and rely wholly on divine grace, our trust is rebuilt on the Rock. As scripture promises, “A broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise” (Psalm 51:17). From this posture of humility and complete dependence, we become open conduits to receive spiritual gifts empowering us to thrive despite adversity.
For instance, Don Dolindo points to Jesus’ interactions with hostile religious leaders. Though confronting venomous accusations, Jesus embodied prudence - never compromising truth yet avoiding escalating cycles of verbal violence. As we build unshakable trust in our Heavenly Defender, we need not obsess about self-defense when under spiritual attack. Rather than relying on our own wisdom, we can trust the Holy Spirit to give us words in the moment, just as Jesus promised, “do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour” (Matthew 10:19).
By proactively deepening authentic trust in God through prayer and Scripture meditation, we are transformed to reflect Christlike prudence. As our roots grow downward into divine love, our lives bear upright fruit even in storms.
Don Dolindo spotlights Jesus' strategic response to those religious leaders seeking to entrap him through insidious questioning. As Christ embodied, "When reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten" (1 Peter 2:23). Rather than reacting defensively, Jesus responded evasively - diffusing their attacks while avoiding excuses to escalate hostility.
"It is a salutary lesson for us," Don Dolindo notes, when facing antagonism from those with wicked motives. Great prudence is essential, never furnishing "opportunity to intensify their struggles." As Proverbs instructs, "The prudent ignores an insult" (Proverbs 12:16). With shrewd wisdom, Don Dolindo advises, "With opponents, buy much and sell little" - do not multiply words that may be used against you.
Indeed, uncontrolled speech often fuels hostility and distorts truth. "Many times, speaking too much can provoke intense opposition," Don Dolindo warns. Just as lies about Christ spread rapidly despite his innocence, our words "strangely deform as they pass from mouth to mouth." Gossip and slander swell like snowballs.
With humility, Don Dolindo cautions, "Let us not forget that often we ourselves are the main authors of the rumors spread about us." Imprudent speech - whether defending ourselves, criticizing others, or complaining about injustice - tends to boomerang. As Christ said, "By your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:37).
Rather than reacting foolishly when slandered, Don Dolindo prays for heavenly wisdom - “If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame” (Proverbs 18:13). Don Dolindo, prayerfully, says: “Lord Jesus, grant us prudence and fortitude so that we may avoid snares, overcome obstacles, and serve for Your glory, that the Kingdom of God may come."
O Mary, Mother of the Church, teach us childlike trust in your Son. As the angel announced His coming conception, you courageously trusted, “Be it done unto me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). Despite the ensuing mystery and suffering, your faith never wavered as you pondered all in your heart (Luke 2:19). Dearest Mother, may we, like you, surrender in trust to God’s providence, however perplexing. Help us cease clinging to substitutes, large or small. As we yield our grudges and self-pity at the foot of the Cross, unclench our grasp from lesser securities. Lead us at every turn to affirm in faith, “Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord” (Luke 1:45). O prudent Mother, so often silent while others rushed to accusation, obtain for us wisdom to speak grace to hostile hearers. Like your Son, may we reply wisely, gently deflecting malice rather than inflaming contention. Rooted firmly in divine love, grant us composure and discernment amid turmoil. O Mother Mary, in all things may our lives radiate His light as you did by practicing trust without wavering and prudence without compromise. Amen.
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