Seeking God Through Spiritual DirectionWe talk about our relationship to God and how as children of God we are always journeying to return to our Father. The Gospels and all of scriptures strives to bring man closer to God, to know God, to understand and find our path back to the Creator of all.
Jesus Christ walked among us so he could be a bridge between man and God, created and creator. For God so loved us He sent His son to become one of us and thus divine becomes human and human becomes divine. During mass when the deacon pours water in to the Chalice he says, “By the mystery of this water and wine may we come to share in the divinity of Christ who humbled himself to share in our humanity.”
It has always been about man seeking God, God loving man, desiring the beloved who went astray and became broken through original sin to join him once again.
So what are we doing about it?
I know most of us spend time in prayer, we thank Him for our blessings, we honor Him and bring our petitions and challenges, our hopes and our dreams. We spend Sunday at Mass and many attend daily Mass. Chances are you picked up this newsletter after attending Mass.
But how much of our day do we spend, not just in prayer, not just in ensuring we stay away from sin and are being charitable in our actions, but rather in seeking God in an intimate and direct way? Are we truly asking to grow closer to Him, to understand Him, and to understand His purpose and direction for us?
Most of us want to know our purpose and direction God has for us. We move through our day and hear competing requests for our time, our resources, and our blessings. We may be asking which voice to listen to and which should to avoid. Which direction and desire will lead me to God and a life of joy and which way leads me to conflict? Others may be asking serious life event questions regarding career or marital state. What feeling inside us, what internal motivation calling us is worthy of being a path of a child of God and which one is from the evil one?
Aren’t these questions we all want to know?
Don’t all of us want to know God’s plan for us?
We all want the best relationship with God where we can have the Holy Spirit fill our lives and hearts? Where the questions are answered and where God’s voice is clearly heard and we find clarity of vision and purpose.
It isn’t necessarily about praying more or dedicating more time to devotions or even Mass but allowing ourselves to be open to his voice and direction for our life. It is about identifying which spirit, which voice, which path is God’s desire for us.
Whether you are a new Catholic seeking to grow closer to your new faith or have been a Catholic all your life, spiritual direction is available to help you grow in relationship with God.
Did you know that all priests, religious and deacons are required to meet monthly with a spiritual director? The diocese and church recognizes how important it is to have someone help us in our spiritual journey. But it is not just for ordained and religious.
Spiritual direction is about seeking relationship with God by using a spiritual director to help you stay on course. There is no commitment and the directee, not the director is in control of the pace and journey, The director is there to help you on your way and provide support only.
What can you expect?
The first meeting will be more of an introduction. You learn more about the director and what to expect if you decide to continue. Most spiritual direction sessions are an hour long and are scheduled once a month.
I am very excited to be able to offer this opportunity to parishioners. I look forward to hearing from those who live locally and would like to start on a journey that will challenge you and enrich your relationship with God.
But wherever you are located, I urge you to contact your diocese or parish and inquire who might help you explore your relationship with God through spiritual direction. It is a practical and direct way to find deeper spirituality, greater confidence in your decisions and a help in hearing God’s voice and desire for your life.
Deacon Tony Pynes 
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