Parish Mission
And Advent Longing
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
“Desire, once claimed, becomes intention. Intention, given the grace not to derail itself into superstitious control, becomes a willing, honest turning toward the source of life. In and through that love, all you need is already given. You do not need to learn another single thing. Only allow your spirit to fly.” Gerald May The Awakened Heart
Dear Friends at St. Margaret,
Several weeks have passed since I was with you for the parish mission on November 8, 9, and 10 and the feedback we have received indicates it was a good experience. Marie Dekowski, your Director of Religious Education, asked me to provide a follow-up bulletin column to the retreat and I am honored to do so. What I would like to do is take a moment to share my thoughts about contemplative prayer and our Catholic people.
There is within us all a desire to know God and to have an intimate relationship with him. This appetite or hunger should not surprise us. In creating us, we are not only made in the image of the creator, in much the same way that a painting mirrors or images the artist; God’s desire was more. He then planted within us a desire to seek him out and find him so that both God and we could experience the joy of union as individuals. This hunger or desire then is an indication that we are destined for unity with God as creator. You might also say that the fact of this desire within us is already an indication of something divine present in everyone.
Second, the fact that we are “image” and have a “drive” to be one with God would imply that we do not have to wait around till we die and go to heaven. That oneness can be achieved in the here-and-now! Of this Jesus himself has assured us. So the fact remains, how do we accomplish or dispose ourselves so the grace of God may flow and that union is achieved? That takes me to my third point.
All you do as a community of faith here at St. Margaret points you in that direction of unity, whether it is an activity relating to worship (mass), word (faith formation), community (festivals, suppers, socials) or service (caring for those in need.) But frankly, you need more. You need to “come away awhile” as Jesus often did with the crowds and communities to which he belonged to be in silent presence with the Father. And that is where contemplative presence has an important part to play. Prepared prayers, psalms, rosaries, meditation, are all important means of prayer and we have all had a try at them. And, as with the Jewish People in Jesus’ time, the simple recitation of prayers often did not get them very close to God’s presence. If we look to Jesus’ praying it was usually alone and in silent reverential presence to his Father. There was a union of hearts, a deep sharing at a non-verbal level. This is the sort of prayer – call it contemplative prayer – of which I am speaking.
At our parish mission we offered four ways or practices that could get us more deeply into God’s presence: namely, poetry, scripture, guided meditation, and review of our day. Make no mistake about it being in contemplative presence is no work of ours. All we can do is dispose ourselves and ask God’s grace to make that presence possible. While it is an august reality, it is very possible to those whose hearts are open and allow their desire to be satisfied by God. The experience makes us more aware of and responsive to Christ’s pervasive and transforming presence to us. Participants also had the opportunity to develop a prayer plan based on the Sunday mass readings.
Jesus’ adult life was not the only occasion for contemplative presence with his Father. So many of the beautiful scenes of Mary in the Gospel of Luke depict her in a Presence in the midst of doubt, confusion, or stress. She “ponders in her heart” and God is with her. This Advent Season can be such a season for us, one where we take a few minutes before the house begins to stir and, over a hot cup of coffee, we try to respond to the real thirst for union with God. All we need at any time of our day can be found in the present moment. We have to be still, be open, and be aware putting our thoughts aside so we can experience a most sublime union. May a savior who has come for you, fill your Advent longing by his presence. He is there waiting!
Fondly,
Father Nicholas
P.S. If you have a follow-up question to the parish mission, I can be reached at FatherNicholasAmato@gmail.com
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