ON GOOD GROUND . . .

March 2008

by Monsignor Douglas L. Grams

Sacrament of Reconciliation

Resistance to Prayer

In January, pastoral leaders and parish staff members participated in a workshop entitled, “An Introduction to the Art of Spiritual Listening,” presented by Fr. Vincent Fortunato, OFM Cap., at the Church of St. Catherine in Redwood Falls. During the day and a half workshop, Fr. Fortunato reminded pastoral leaders that they are called to listen for the spoken and unspoken concerns of people in our parishes. He reminded us that we are not spiritual directors, but we are entrusted with the well-being of those who are hurting, or having trouble with their prayer life, or struggling to find God in the midst of their busy lives.

One of the highlights of the presentation was a time of guided prayer when each participant was asked to spend some time reflecting on his/her image of God. Each shared his/her reflection with another individual who listened attentively.

As people who are called to be listeners, Archbishop John C. Nienstedt commented that while he was teaching the Penance Practicum at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit for thirteen years, he always mentioned to the seminarians that they should be listening not only to what was said, but also what was not said in the course of a sacramental confession in order to help the penitent. Fr. Fortunato commented that if priests were able to listen in such a way, we would revolutionize the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

As we approach the Sacrament of Reconciliation during this Lenten season, may we always be aware of the spoken and unspoken areas of our lives.

Another highlight of the presentation was Fr. Fortunato speaking about “resistance” in prayer. We reach a plateau in our prayer life where we no longer move closer to God, and spiritual growth is at a standstill. Examples of resistance in our prayer life and our day-to-day living are procrastination, tardiness, restlessness, “doing prayer” (praying the words, but failing to be attentive to all). Resistance in prayer may reveal our fears of moving forward, of facing the unknown, of embracing the challenge to change and to grow deeper in our relationship with God.