In Lent, Loretto spiritual directors help searchers discern God’s presence

Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation.

Mark 16:15

The Jesuit theologian Karl Rahner says, “The Christian of the future will be a mystic, or will not exist.” What a challenge! What is the work of the mystic? What does a mystic see or know? Do they have a different perspective about life from you and me? Do they see the world differently from you or I? Does God approach them differently? Do they have a “hot line” to heaven?

The answer is – you and I are mystics. Every time we search out how God is acting

in our life, every step we take on the road ahead, every time we are aware of the needs of a neighbor, we are mystics. How can a person name themselves a “mystic?” They have opened themselves to an intimate presence with God, often with the guidance of a spiritual director, who helps them respond to the work of the Holy Spirit in their life. They listen, they talk, they pray, they love.

What do spiritual directors really do? They listen, they give feedback, they help the searcher discern the presence of God and what God is doing on their spiritual journey through life.

This week Loretto shares some recommendations for Lenten spiritual practices from a few of the spiritual directors in Loretto: Mary Ellen McElroy SL, JoAnn Gates CoL, Sandra Hareld CoL, Johanna Brian SL and Kim Klein CoL.

Thomas Merton said, “Spiritual direction is, in reality, nothing more than a way of leading us to search and obey the real director, the Holy Spirit – hidden in the depths of our soul.”

All mystics: Pay attention.