It’s easy to find God at church. Relatively speaking, that is…when I’m paying attention and when I can break away from the cares and concerns of my life.
When I think of finding God at work, what first comes to mind is Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection who, in the midst of his duties as cook, throws himself down prostrate on the floor of the kitchen, and with a sincere heart offers the very omelette he is cooking to the Lord of the Universe.
If only I could have the presence of mind to do the same in my own workplace: to offer every class, every meeting, every report, every phone call, every problem to the Lord of the Universe…on the spot! But the reality is that I get so caught up in the demands of the day that I don’t give myself the space of mind and heart to do it.
Several years ago I started a campaign to find God at work, and I began asking my friends, my priests, my family how to keep Him present all the time in the office. One series of responses had to do with the environment: keep photos and reminders of the Beloved everywhere. That made some sense, so I spent a lot of time doing just that. As a consequence, my office is full of images, statues, and holy words, and in that rare moment when I have the presence of mind, I can for a second or two remember that He is there. He is there waiting for me amidst the problems of the day, but still I am aware of it only when I have the space of mind and heart to advert to Him.
How easy it is to forget even the boldest of reminders that are there! I get so caught up in the moments of the day that I forget the Lord of the moment. I put His picture on my desk, but the picture fades into the landscape of problems and paperwork; I pray His word in the morning, but then my own words fill the day.
So while populating my workplace with His image can help, it is not the answer. The answer lies not in the external object, but the internal space of mind and heart where He resides, and where St Teresa teaches us to dwell in such a way that we might find ourselves in continual union with His will. That space must be increased by our daily prayer, strengthened by the graces of the sacraments, stretched and exercised in the charity for all who enter it throughout the day. The challenge of seeking God in the souls of those who make the demands of each day, in the souls of those who criticize and tyrannize, and in the souls of each of those who seek help and understanding from me, that challenge makes me realize that perhaps I have not even known Him in church as well as I ever thought I did!
February 8, 2009 at 7:43 pm |
This touched me so much because it is my daily struggle. The images of Our Love, Our Lord are scattered throughtout my house, and it would seem that I should always be in His love, but I slip within 5 minutes of receiving Him! I think sharing our struggles in our journey help our Community grow closer, going beyond the surface conversations.
I recently went through an unplanned gallbaldder surgery out of town and experienced a reaction to a medication as I was in recovery. I looked at the clock and watched the second hand go by while only being able to mentally say “Jesus, I trust in You”. The tortuous pain I had I see now was a wonderful grace. It made me understand some of the sufferings our community members might have and are experiencing. It made me more compassionate to those suffering. It also made me see how “soft” I was, unable to handle the pain since I was so spoiled with good health sometimes being self-satisfied with it as if I had something to do with being so healthy.
I also realized the strength of the martyrs to face torture. I pray to God I would be able to defend Him and not deny Him if ever faced with a torture.
I am so looking forward to returning to formation. The devil has fought my coming back so many times, so I know it will be good for my spiritual growth.
Thank you all for your example of love for Him!
Michelle Long
(please excuse any bad spelling or grammer!)
February 22, 2009 at 9:46 pm |
It has been said that the longest journey we will ever make is from head to heart. With each passing year I’m realizing that truth.
In receiving Jesus in Holy Communion we have His Presence within ourselves. Recalling His Real Presence within us takes work. Making His Presence Real and lived (in action, in deed) takes work and participation. The more you apply yourself, because of His Grace, the more Grace He gives to continue and grow. Keep at it, it is The Way!!! Blessed be God forever!