Stamina for the Spiritual Journey

Frustrated by slow-and-go freeway traffic on my way to a television interview, I decided to try a shortcut by surface streets with which I was unfamiliar. My frustration was compounded by frequent stop lights, cul-de-sacs, and a labyrinth of zig-zag, curved, and dead-end streets. Breathless, I arrived barely in time for the live telecast—to the great relief of the host and cameramen. I resolved never again to use shortcuts when a time risk or safety risk might be involved.

There are no safe or timesaving shortcuts to holiness. Time, effort, and a persistent struggle are required, though always under the aegis of divine grace. Holy living is a daily battle against the world, the devil, and the flesh. Our successes encourage us and, providentially, our failures humble us. Finally, like Paul, we come to see ourselves as "not having a righteousness of my own. but the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith" (Phil 3:9). And if we follow Paul's lead, we know never to rest on our laurels: "Straining toward what is ahead," he says, "I press on toward the goal" (Phil 3:14).

So far we have been looking at the relational aspect of spirituality, that is, a human creature's loving relationship with his or her Creator. Now we turn our attention to another facet of the spiritual life, God's along-the-way encouragements for our journey to him.

In addition to his ever-present grace, God provides countless such reinforcements along the way. They include his inerrant word in Scripture; the example of Mary, his masterpiece of creation; the supportive companionship of a personally assigned guardian angel; and even the exhilarating feeling of spiritual accomplishment—the fruit of the Spirit that is joy, which has been called "the outcome of the harmonious development of the virtues." All of these helps are part Of God's design for strengthening and comforting us.

Those of Irish descent will recall the Gaelic farewell that is almost a benediction. It seems to summarize the various godsends along the road to holiness that are canvassed in this section: "May the face of the good news and the back of the bad news be always in front of you; and may the good Lord keep you in the palm of his hand and never close his fist!"

Hampsch, C.M.F., originally published by Servant Publications, 1995. This and other of Fr. Hampsch's books and audio/visual materials can be purchased from Claretian Teaching Ministry, 20610 Manhattan Pl, #120, Torrance, CA 90501-1863. Phone 1-310-782-6408.