John Predmore, S.J., is a USA East Province Jesuit and was the pastor of Jordan's English language parish. He teaches art and directs BC High's adult spiritual formation programs. Formerly a retreat director in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Ignatian Spirituality is given through guided meditations, weekend-, 8-day, and 30-day Retreats based on The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Ignatian Spirituality serves the contemporary world as people strive to develop a friendship with God.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Question: Absence
Sometimes during the Christmas holidays it is difficult for us to have an experience of God. Family systems move to the forefront of our consciousness and God seems remote and distant. This distance from God lingers for far too long. It takes boldness and courage to admit to oneself that God feels absent. No one wants that condition and yet it is far too common. What do you do when you feel God's absence?
I know exactly what you're saying here. I think I start "getting back to God" by simply taking some time to be alone, to talk and most importantly to listen.. Eucharistic Adoration comes to mind, or simply lighting the Christmas tree (which is still up), turning off all the lights and enjoying some time with Him.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the great post~!
I go away to a quiet place and listen for God's voice. I also love to go to Mass at a different church during the day. There's nothing like sharing God's love with complete strangers.
ReplyDeleteMy tree is still up,too! The first thing I do in the darkness each morning is plug the lights in and the tree quickly and quietly warms the room and my heart.
Just discovered your site and love it. Many thanks.
Christmas is gone but it's not lack of Christmas that is getting me down right now.
ReplyDeleteIt's this Anglican Ordinariate !
So I am in a very bad place right now.What am i doing ? Trying not to be sick and praying that my aching head and soul get some of God's healing .
Sorry to be so negative.
Blessings
Tell God how sick you feel instead of trying not to be sick. Let God know exactly how you feel. We want to wish our stuff away, but if we let God enter into it, God can heal it. Let God be vulnerable within your wounds.
ReplyDeleteIt is not being negative. It is being real. It hurts. We have to let God into that yucky place.
Thanks - I'll do that !
ReplyDeleteBlessings
It hurts. It is painful and you want more from your church. You want to see it respond to your needs just as it responds to others. You want a church that is comfortable with the world and seeks to compassionately be with its faithful ones as they struggle to integrate their faith into their experiences. Right now, this church is comfortable with a pedagogical style of teaching, but that is far different from what its people wants and needs. You want them to respond to your hurts. Christ and his spirit will do that, even when the church is unable to do so.
ReplyDelete