God Will Show Us the Way

Dear Friends in Christ,

Two and a half weeks ago, 28 of our young people received the Sacrament of Confirmation. Every class of young people I have had the privilege of accompanying through Confirmation preparation has its own challenges, quirks, and strengths. I would never claim to have a favorite group, but I will say this class was particularly exceptional. (Watch for my bulletin article next year. I will probably say the same thing again, because we are truly blessed by amazing young people here at SJE!)

Several things stood out to me about these students. Their letters to the bishop requesting the Sacrament of Confirmation, which I, as Confirmation Director, am asked by the Diocese of Winona-Rochester to review before sending, revealed that this group comes from a variety of backgrounds and cultures, bringing with them unique experiences and perspectives. These young people are already thinking about their vocations: one is discerning the priesthood, another religious life, and one expresses a desire to work for the Church in some capacity.

Not only are the students who were confirmed exceptional, but their families are as well. It is such a joy to consistently see many of our students attending Mass as a family and participating in the life of our parish, weekend after weekend. It is a good reminder to me that no matter how strong any faith formation program may be, parents are the primary educators of the faith for their children. I can truly see the difference parents and grandparents, with the help and support of a faith-filled community, can make in the lives of our young people.

I have studied theology and worked in ministry for almost 14 years, and even now, raising my own children in the faith can feel like a daunting task some days as I look at the faces of our five kiddos, especially when they sometimes groan on a Sunday morning after a late Saturday night, “Do we have to go to Mass?!” Yet it is also one of the greatest joys of parenting, as Bryan and I strive to pass our faith on to our children. Some days, we receive little signs that we are doing an okay job. On the way to school recently, as we prayed a Morning Offering, our 4-year-old sweetly added a prayer for her brother: “And we pray in a special way for Ollie, for his birthday today, that he has the best day and knows he is loved!”

That moment came to mind as I reflected on today’s readings, which reminded me of a prayer that has anchored me over the years. A family friend and parishioner gave this prayer to my mother to send to me as a freshman in college, during a time when my heart was troubled (John 14:1) and I did not know which way to go (John 14:4). In many different seasons of life, whenever I have again felt troubled, unqualified, or unable to see the road ahead, I have returned to this prayer, especially in motherhood and ministry.

I share it with you today as a reminder that none of us has everything figured out, yet our efforts are worthwhile and truly make a difference in the lives of others, as I have seen in the lives of our newly confirmed. Like the disciples, we all wonder at times how to follow God and where He is leading us. Let us trust that God will show us the way, and may we never be afraid to share the journey with one another: with our families, our children, our colleagues, our fellow parishioners, our neighbors, and all those we encounter along the way.

“The Merton Prayer”
By Thomas Merton, Thoughts in Solitude

My Lord God,
I have no idea where I am going.
I do not see the road ahead of me.
I cannot know for certain where it will end.
Nor do I really know myself,
and the fact that I think I am following your will
does not mean that I am actually doing so.
But I believe that the desire to please you
does in fact please you.
And I hope that I have that desire in all that I am doing.
I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire.
And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road,
though I may know nothing about it.
Therefore, will I trust you always,
though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death.
I will not fear, for you are ever with me,
and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.