The Lenten season is a time set aside from Ordinary Time for examining our spiritual lives in all ways, looking honestly at our daily prayer, our dedication to receiving the Sacraments, and our desire to grow closer to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We can embrace the spiritual and corporal works of mercy during these 40 days, make sacrifices for our own and others’ salvation, and examine our lives in light of the fact that God is closer to us than we are to ourselves, paraphrasing how St. Augustine put it. Will this be another Lent where the days will pass, and we find we’ve just been going through the motions? Will we find the Peace of Christ, or the restlessness of the world?
Experiencing the restlessness of life, searching down paths that differ from the one God wants for your salvation and his greater glory, needn’t be undergone alone. A spiritual director will gently walk with you for a period of time, a season in your life. Spiritual direction is intentionally not a ‘one-and-done,’ a one-hour ‘spiritual oil change,’ or a quick pit stop before getting back onto the racetrack. We are here for the journey, trained to listen.
To listen, yes, to you, but more importantly, to listen for the voice of the Holy Spirit while we are with you. By doing so, we hope you will become better at discerning His voice for yourself. When it seems God is far away, talking with your spiritual director can help you become more deeply in touch with the presence of God in you. Sometimes we give in to the temptation of lukewarmness, or our prayer time feels dry or empty. Meeting with your spiritual director offers an opportunity to talk over what’s no longer working for you and discover ways to refresh your relationship with God.
This Lent may be the perfect time to take this first, or hundred-and-first step, in reflecting on the most important relationship in your life, the one between you and our loving God. If you think spiritual direction is what you’ve been missing, know this: you will find someone ready to hear your thoughts, encourage you, and pray for you in your spiritual struggles; and we will rejoice with you as you grow in faith, hope, and love. To find out more about spiritual direction and the directors within our parish, please contact Nancy J Jones at prayerfulheart3@gmail.com
May this Lent bring you closer to the Lord than ever before!