Most people see their primary care doctor and dentist on a regular basis. Many others see a therapist, personal trainer, nutritionist, golf or tennis pro, or yoga instructor on a somewhat regular basis. While physical and mental health are very important, how many people see someone on any regular basis (or at all) for their spiritual well-being?
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI reminds us: “As she has never failed to do, again today the Church continues to recommend the practice of spiritual direction, not only to all those who wish to follow the Lord up close, but to every Christian who wishes to live responsibly his baptism, that is, the new life in Christ.”
“I thought this might be a sign from God; then I overheard you talking about the meaning of life.”
I have had the privilege of seeing a priest for spiritual direction since the age of 12 — and have continued to do so for the 18 years of my priesthood. I found this helpful back when I was struggling with the discipline of my parents at home, when I was dating during my high school and college years, while discerning my vocation, and now, in trying to be the best priest possible.
For over 18 years I’ve also been a spiritual director, and I never cease to be amazed at the power of the Holy Spirit’s activity at work during these encounters. After I visited my dentist not long ago and talked with her, I realized it would be apropos for her — as someone in the medical profession — to share her perspective on how spiritual direction has helped her spiritual health. So she has graciously shared the following stories and information:
“It was about 10 years ago that I came back to my Catholic faith. For the first time, I really began to understand the beauty and depth of our church and all it has to offer us. I was introduced to a priest in the Legion of Christ who recommended that I join a Bible study, and he offered to become my spiritual director.”
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My dentist continued: “This has been an evolving process for me because I didn’t fully understand the purpose and the benefits of having spiritual direction. He was patient with me as I slowly came to understand that I was not really there for a therapy, but for an opportunity to come to know myself better and to grow in in my faith. Now, as a lay member of Regnum Christi, I have formed meaningful friendships with RC members — consecrated people and priests who all share the same spirituality. I have had a few spiritual directors over these years, and each one has been a tremendous blessing.”
She went on: “The benefits I’ve received from spiritual direction are countless, but these are just a few. They have helped me to discern what God is asking of me at different times of my life, to recognize vices I’ve had and help to replace them with positive virtues, to realize I can improve my relationships with my family, friends and patients through my thoughts, words and actions — and, probably most importantly, to understand that prayer is an essential part of each day if I want to continue growing.”
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A few years ago, I was giving spiritual direction in a public atrium in Manhattan, very close to St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Fifth Avenue. As we were discussing the meaning of life and the importance of connecting with Christ in daily prayer, I noticed a gentleman nearby who seemed to be trying to listen in on our conversation.
Sure enough, the moment my directee got up to leave, this other gentleman came over and said, “Father, I have to admit, when I saw you here in the atrium, I thought this might be a sign from God. Then I overheard you talking about the meaning of life. I am actually trying to figure that out right now … I have lots of issues. Do you have a minute to talk?”
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We all could use a hand to carefully discern God’s plan over our lives. Spiritual directors can be very effective instruments in clearing the fog. And in careful collaboration with the Holy Spirit, they can offer greater clarity to God’s intended activity in your soul. The focus needs to be more on healthy souls!
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