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Spiritual Direction
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August 16, 2023Being a Catholic means being in a relationship with God. That means we must love, talk with, and follow the Almighty – and participate in His extensions of grace. Relationships require work, understanding, affection, and time. Our relationship with God is no exception. He is perfect, and we are imperfect. Occasionally, we all need guidance to ensure we are steering the right course to our heavenly homeland. Spiritual direction can help draw us closer to God, and reap the benefits that come with it.
What is spiritual direction? It can be challenging to define, as it is often confused with the sacrament of Confession, or therapy. I like this definition from the Diocese of Cleveland:
Spiritual Direction is help given by a trained Spiritual Director (clergy or un-ordained) to another person through confidential, ongoing conversation. It is a relationship between the Director and the one being directed but also, it is an encounter with God that they participate in together. The purpose of the relationship is so that the one being directed might grow closer in their relationship with God. In short, it's an opportunity to let someone mentor you in developing a relationship with God.
Ideally, “spiritual direction teaches us to listen to the Lord and notice his action, and experience our being called to great discipleship and apostolate. Our existence becomes enveloped in the Mystery of Christ.” Spiritual direction can help us live a more fully integrated Catholic life as we learn to quiet our souls and listen to God.
Much of my prayer is petition and a one-way conversation, with me doing most of the talking! With the help of spiritual direction, we can move out of ourselves, and move closer to God with the help of an experienced guide.
Spiritual directors typically undergo specialized training to equip them with the skills to guide others effectively. They are well-versed in theology, psychology, prayer practices, and discernment techniques. Direction is confidential, and can give Catholics insights that they may not be able to gain on their own.
Bear in mind that spiritual direction is not about the director imposing his or her views or agenda, but about facilitating the individual's further movement toward God. It's a collaborative process that respects the individual while providing valuable insights, wisdom, and companionship on the path to holiness.
Pope Benedict XVI explained that,
[a]s she has always done, today the Church continues to recommend the practice of spiritual direction not only to those who desire to follow the Lord closely but to every Christian who wishes to live responsibly his or her Baptism, that is, new life in Christ.
The Catholic Church provides us with many tools to know, love, and serve God. Spiritual direction is one of them, and should not be ignored. There are Catholics in your parish or diocese - religious or lay - waiting for the opportunity to help you ascend the heights of holiness.
If you have not tried spiritual direction, consider doing so. Contact your diocese for information about spiritual directors available locally. You will not regret taking the initiative in working on your relationship with God at the direction of a fellow Catholic who wants to help you!
