Sometimes we just find ourselves lost. We recall a time when it seemed we were so much closer to God, when those around us didn’t seem to be questioning all we did, when all we believed in made sense.

The separation we feel at times like this can be genuinely painful. We recall how our faith was before and a holy longing takes over, wishing for those times to return. There are many words used for such times in our spiritual journey. “Periods of dryness”, when we thirst for God, but cannot connect; the “Dark Night of the Soul”, when the separation appears severe and somehow permanent. However, it is often these dry periods which cause the greatest deepening of faith and relationship with God. It is then we seek for more, try new prayer forms and stimulation to bring ourselves closer to Him, search for meaning in other paths in a desperate attempt to fulfil our desire.

At times like this we may find ourselves moving from a relationship of obligation to one of deep longing and desire to be close to God. We know God is always with us, but we want to “feel” God, not just learn about Him. This search for an experience of God in our lives is at the root of our relationship to Him and all those around us.

So, as we hit these dry spells, let us remind ourselves the greatest of saints have encountered them. St. Mother Theresa of Calcutta has one such spell for twenty-five years! The deepening of her faith which resulted is recognized as one of the most beautiful spiritual stories of our age.

Next time we see the dryness coming, let’s try and welcome the deepening and challenges it may bring; and not always be looking for a short-term reward for each request we make to Him.

For the dry spell may precede a monsoon of felt consolation.

 

Once again, we come to celebrate with the youth of our parish as they head towards Confirmation. Last week we had a wonderful retreat day together, listening to music, modern and ancient parables, the Eucharist, Reconciliation, witness talks from adults in the parish … all punctuated by pizza, ice-cream and candy. Not a bad way to spend Sunday. Bodily and spiritual nourishment.

A week from now, these candidates will confirm their belief in Jesus Christ and His place in their lives. If we could send one message from those it is one of grace-filled love which will imbibe them with the gifts of the Holy Spirit and love.

While they will be confirmed as a group, each teen takes up the challenge of being a Christian in a world not always practicing Christian virtues. They will be called to be a Christian, often alone, making the care of others more important than their own. For it is in helping the stranger we find God.

God will tug us all at times, and this “holy longing” is great when we feel it, but is also is a call to respond. How many times do with sit silently when we should have spoken up? Why should I defend this person being treated unfairly? … After all I hardly know them. How many people have I made a stranger?

As we respond to the stranger, we answer the call. For when we do things for the stranger we find God there waiting for us. We can all respond to the same call our teens are going to make next week.

And if God calls me through a stranger, is my response from my head or my heart?

THINK WITH YOUR HEART

Think with your heart,

Easily said,

But then I remain hidden in the crowd.

Think with your heart,

I feel the tugging yet I remain silent,

Again.

Think with your heart,

Too much, I will respond,

And do the uncomfortable thing.

And suddenly,

Find others following.

 

Photography by Michael Cunningham

 

If you are reading this prior to, or during Mass (tut .. tut) you might be aware of the Confirmation retreat going on below in Manion Hall. Here our teens move into the final stages of preparation for Confirmation at the end of October.

While they had little choice during their baptism, as young adults, they can reaffirm their faith now. Each journey, like our own, is unique and varied. Just as God created us with exclusive gifts and talents, the young people of our parish get to confirm their faith on their own terms this time. Their choice. Their desire. Their will.

However, I know looking back at my own time for confirmation, then considerably younger than our teens, I was drawn more by a tugging to “come home” rather than any direct propelling of my own will. Perhaps that is true for many of us. We are heading back to the harbor from whence we came, it is there, inviting, beckoning us, drawing us nearer. Hard to explain this Holy Longing which comes from the Spirit. So, we return via the Spirit and receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit. How beautiful! It could not be more perfect.

Join with us today as those final stages of the journey are marked by the candidates in the parish. Pray for them. Pray for their journey; that the Holy Spirit will shower them with the grace we all need to survive in the world. To enrich them.

And ourselves.

COMING HOME

Photography by Michael Cunningham