I have not told many people this story, but it feels like the right time for me to do so. For much of my time as a parish priest, I have taught, preached, and counseled people with a sense of inner humility and uncertainty. “Humility” probably sounds too virtuous to describe what I often felt when talking with people about God and ultimate things. “Uncertainty” is a little clearer, tinged with at least a little fear. As God said to Job, “Who is this who darkens counsel by words without knowledge?” And when counseling others, I sometimes thought, “If only I could follow my own advice.”
Thank you for sharing your affirming story. I, too, have felt the presence, confidence and peace during a chaotic time of loss. After years of cutting faith out of my life, I finally came to the end of myself and cried out to Jesus Christ to show me a sign that God is real. It was a repentant cry for mercy and grace in a period of deep anguish; and while hopeful, I don't think I really believed God would actually respond. Yet, to my marvel, I began to feel a sense of peace and comfort radiate through me for the first time I could remember since I was a child. At the same time, I sensed a call to calm, to rest and to eat before beginning the journey home. I was 51 years of age. It was my moment of certainty that God was real. Intuitively, I knew that the key to everything I hoped to be in life and in death was in following Christ. While I cannot begin to grasp the whole idea of God, I feel certain that God is with us, loves and delights in us and does answer us. I am so glad to be a part of this contemplative journey.
That is a impressive experience filled with the magic of God which I am sure you nor Cherry were expecting.
It makes me more aware of how fortunate I am to be here today! Thank You!
Thank you for sharing your affirming story. I, too, have felt the presence, confidence and peace during a chaotic time of loss. After years of cutting faith out of my life, I finally came to the end of myself and cried out to Jesus Christ to show me a sign that God is real. It was a repentant cry for mercy and grace in a period of deep anguish; and while hopeful, I don't think I really believed God would actually respond. Yet, to my marvel, I began to feel a sense of peace and comfort radiate through me for the first time I could remember since I was a child. At the same time, I sensed a call to calm, to rest and to eat before beginning the journey home. I was 51 years of age. It was my moment of certainty that God was real. Intuitively, I knew that the key to everything I hoped to be in life and in death was in following Christ. While I cannot begin to grasp the whole idea of God, I feel certain that God is with us, loves and delights in us and does answer us. I am so glad to be a part of this contemplative journey.