Confessions

Imagine a tiny infant, fragile and speechless, yet already a living being filled with desires and instincts. From the very beginning, the soul is restless, searching for something beyond itself. You have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in you. This profound truth opens the door to understanding the human condition. Even before the infant can speak or remember, there is a stirring within—a silent call towards the divine. The infant’s cries and gestures are the first attempts to communicate needs and desires, revealing an innate dependence on others and ultimately on God.

In this early stage of life, the soul is wrapped in the care of parents and nurtured by their love and prayers. The mother’s devotion is a conduit of grace, a sacred shelter for the young soul. Though baptism—the sacrament of cleansing and initiation—is often delayed, the child is marked with signs of spiritual protection, such as the sign of the cross and the placing of salt on the tongue. These rituals symbolize the beginning of a journey towards God, even if the child does not yet comprehend it.

As the child grows, education becomes a double-edged sword. The rich world of classical literature offers beauty and eloquence but also entices the soul away from its true rest. The stories of heroes and gods captivate the imagination but often glorify behaviors and values contrary to spiritual wisdom. The struggle to balance the love of learning with the pursuit of divine truth marks the early years of intellectual and moral formation.

Discipline and punishment in school are harsh, yet they shape the young mind and character. The child’s resistance to learning, the delight in games, and the fear of corporal punishment paint a vivid picture of human frailty and the need for divine guidance. It is a time of innocent sinning, of restless curiosity, and of slow awakening to the realities of life and faith.

As this first chapter of life closes, the soul stands at the threshold of adolescence, carrying the marks of its early restlessness and the seeds of faith planted by loving care. The journey towards God is just beginning, and the lessons of infancy will echo throughout the soul’s pilgrimage. Let us now step forward into the turbulent years of youth, where desire and confusion will challenge the heart’s quest for peace.