Spiritual Consolation by Timothy M. OMV Gallagher

Author:Timothy M., OMV Gallagher
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780824549749
Publisher: The Crossroad Publishing Company
Published: 2007-08-15T00:00:00+00:00

Second Rules, 6: An Experience

Ruth is a married woman in her early fifties whose faith has always been central in her life. Her children are grown and live independently; Ruth teaches three days a week at a local high school.

Ruth has always been drawn to prayer and, for many years, has dedicated such time to prayer as her commitments have allowed. Ten years ago, Ruth took part in a retreat organized by her parish. She spoke that day with the retreat director about her prayer, and that conversation proved a spiritual turning point for Ruth; it helped her understand her own spiritual desires at a point in life when time for prayer was gradually becoming more available. Not long after, Ruth and her husband began to attend daily Mass together. They found this practice a source of spiritual strength in their married life and, gradually, it became an important part of their relationship with each other and with God.

Ruth returned periodically to speak with the retreat director and eventually asked for ongoing spiritual direction. The opportunity to speak about her prayer and the helpful suggestions of the director fostered continuing spiritual growth in Ruth. She joined a Bible study group in the parish and began to pray daily with the Scriptures.

Ruth’s spiritual richness and her capacity for friendship often led others to seek her assistance; her sensitive accompaniment blessed many in their times of struggle. When Ruth’s youngest child left for college, her director, aware of Ruth’s human and spiritual gifts, asked whether she might consider serving as a spiritual director in the future. Ruth was drawn to this idea and discussed it with her husband. With his warm encouragement, she enrolled in a local program for the training of spiritual directors.

The weekly meetings, the assigned readings, and the instruction that Ruth received in the five years of the program deepened her knowledge and love for the spiritual life. Her daily prayer was often blessed with a consoling awareness of the God she loved, and her increased ability to assist others spiritually was a source of joy for Ruth. Others began to ask her for monthly spiritual direction, and Ruth accepted five such requests.

When the leader of the Bible study group moved to another city, the other members asked Ruth to be their new leader. Ruth agreed and found that she loved this further stimulus to learn about the Word of God. Her daily prayer with Scripture grew richer, and her awareness of God’s love deepened correspondingly. Ruth’s marriage and relationships with her children were blessed by the spiritual transformation gradually taking place within her.

One day, as she prayed, Ruth gratefully recalled the spiritual assistance she had received from others over the years, and how much this assistance had contributed to her spiritual growth. As she reflected, a warm sense of God’s faithful love filled her heart, and Ruth wondered whether such aid might be offered also to others in the parish. More concretely, Ruth asked herself whether she should speak with the pastor and offer to establish a spiritual development committee in the parish.

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