My immobility after the fall and during recovery showed me clearly how close God was to me. Previously, I was often so active that I didn’t realize this closeness. God waited until I was ready to listen to reveal his patient and gentle presence. I realized how everything I had taken for granted had actually been given to me, and it was God who took the lead. I realized afterwards that it was God who caught me. I discovered compassion and acceptance, not judgment. I realized it was a paradox: I was fundamentally fragile but gifted, and always held in God’s love. Just as with the prodigal son’s journey home, I was given multiple second chances and offered extraordinary forgiveness. Part of being injured was a process of purification: waiting in the silence and the darkness of the long nights, wondering if recovery would ever happen. Alternating between doubt and hope meant praying out of a deep need. Mostly it was about purifying my faith, though, shaking off complacency, shedding expectations, and coming to new understandings.
—Excerpted from The Way to Manresa: Discoveries Along the Ignatian Camino by Brendan McManus, SJ
This made me remember the part of the bible were it says one drop of God’s love is enough to overflow the world
Patience is bliss. Lacking a sustainable road map, we are restless, and often confused. Sages say, God is watching patiently.
This extract has particular relevance to me today. ‘God waited until I was ready to listen…..’ After many years wandering in the spiritual wilderness God chose a time and place when I least expected it to introduce a spiritual companion who has accompanied me, helped and encouraged me on my journey in faith. Without him I would still be wandering. Thanks be to God.
compassion and acceptance, extraordinary forgiveness, praying out of a deep need. many thanks, Brendan, for these reminders.