What is it that has continued calling me at night?

What is it that has continued calling me at night?

To answer that as an individual one must recall the times the same voice has been tugging at the strings of your heart.  Of course, if we are open to the whisper that penetrates the interior of our being then the voice that speaks can be heard at each movement of our inner-connection with God.  Not too long ago I wrote concerning how we are one with God and he with us.  It isn’t an abstract existence that we might think about without a connection of real substance.  There must be a real adherence of two spirits becoming one.  

Think about the words the deacon, or in his absence the priest, says when mingling the drop of water into the chalice of wine when preparing the gifts before the Eucharistic Celebration.  “By the mystery of this water and wine may we come to share in the divinity of Christ who humbled himself to share in our humanity.”  Words that seem so simple yet they become a world apart from the ordinary as they are theologically blended together as two natures becoming one person.  The Incarnation was the divine nature of Christ taking on the nature of man who became one person.  This combination is proof that the divine has joined with the humanity of  all who partake of the Eucharist and completes a conjoining of God with his creatures through his Son, Jesus Christ.

So, when this call comes in the midst at night it isn’t a horn blowing but a tug at the heart and soul of any one who is open to this mind shaking reality.  It is a reality because God can reach within us through the Holy Spirit who already resides within each one.  Again, a reminder that at baptism, the Holy Spirit is given to each one and never leaves until the last moment of our human life.  Since he is ever-present with us we already have God dwelling within our soul.  

But, the call to us is not by osmosis, it is a real awakening to our own spirit with a purpose God desires of us.  Just like our attendance at Holy Mass, or partaking of the Word through listening or reading the gospel message, we are mandated to evangelize.  This disturbance while we sleep or recline is another way God reminds us to get up and move in the direction of a prophet by speaking to others about the salvation procured through the death/resurrection of Christ.  And as St. Francis said. “Preach and if necessary use words.” 

I once told a new deacon candidate, “Don’t be surprised at what the Holy Spirit will call on you to do.”  It has happened to me more than once and will continue if we are open to his call.

Ralph B. Hathaway