My Soul Thirsts For God
Prayer is the method we use to talk to God. What is the best way to listen for His response?
The ideal journey of faith is described in the writings of St. Teresa of Avila, Doctor of the Church. In “Interior Castle,” she compares the contemplative soul to a castle with seven mansions or dwelling places. Traveling through each level of the castle strengthens our relationship with God. Living in a Carmelite monastery in the walled city of Avila certainly influenced St. Teresa’s way of thinking from an interior viewpoint. In our world of exterior distractions, how can we listen to what God has to say to us? This is an important question because we were created to be deeply in love with God. His love draws us into conversation with Him every day. Are you participating in the dialogue?
This is God’s work ... that our state of grace and our prayer life will provide us with a desire to do works of charity, serving man for the ultimate glory of God. As baptized Christians, we each have a particular responsibility in this mission. In the Catholic Church, there is a very specific duty to serve as the Person of Christ – in the priesthood. There cannot be enough significance placed on this vocation. If you are concerned about the sanctification of all the souls in the world, you must be actively encouraging young people to consider priesthood and religious life. Prayer is essential, but we need to do more!
Ask God what you can do to strengthen His Church. His response will be specific; and if you are listening, He will guide you forward! The answers may be intimidating, time consuming, and possibly sacrificial, but it is all for the glory of God. He will not abandon you!
The time has come for my leap of faith to begin. On Aug. 8, my husband, Dick, and I will be packed and ready to move into our “Interior Castle” in Morgantown, Ind. – at Lakes of Avalon on Sienna Path.
Yes, the place was already aptly named before we purchased the property for our new home. The plan for this “house of prayer” is the result of many prayers offered and answers accepted. My conversations with God have been lengthy and so have the ones with my husband, God bless him; but all is well. This is God’s work! Our plan is to provide a place of respite for those who minister to others, especially those who serve the Church.
We will miss the great friendships of the people of the Diocese of Evansville, especially from our spiritual home at Sacred Heart Parish in Vincennes. We humbly accept this great opportunity as a gift from God to help strengthen His Church, and we are immensely grateful. The culture we live in makes it very difficult to find time for contemplative prayer with God. Our hope is that we can offer a place for that gift of peace for those who need it most.
I hope to continue submitting articles about our ministry and new venture for The Message. I have not really moved away, just relocated up the road. I can still be reached by email at Mary.zoe.cannon@gmail.com. This past year of planning and building the “Interior Castle” has certainly confirmed the need to make time to converse with God – and most importantly, to listen for His answers, not my own!
“My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?” – Psalm 42:2.
We have built a place for rest; we hope people will make time to visit. This is God’s work. Amen!
