Trusting (03/06/2025)

Last evening, I had my final class with the confirmation candidates and their sponsors. We had lots to talk about in a short time as we looked ahead to the celebration of Confirmation less than a month away. I asked that they spend real time in prayer to the Spirit between now and then, so that they were open to the Spirit’s guidance and gifts on retreat and especially at Confirmation. And then I told them about Tony and how he taught me about trusting in the Spirit.

It was over 30 years ago. I’d been contacted by a parish asking if I would facilitate their overnight confirmation retreat. It seems the group was especially challenging. I agreed to do the retreat and asked for the names of the youth so I could pray for them by name before the retreat. I got the names and prayed daily for them.

When they got off their bus, I welcomed each one, taking in all I could about each as I shook their hand. When we began the activities, I started by going around the room and calling each by name. It surprised them. I explained it was because I’d been praying for them and for the retreat and that it was also because each was memorable. Most accepted that, but one young man was still a bit suspicious; his name was Tony.

Tony continued to challenge me in most of the activities. When I asked the group to go on “Time alone with God” walk, Tony’s enthusiasm appeared to be lacking. I told the group that I was sending them out to walk and talk to the LORD. They were to tell the LORD what was on their mind and in their heart. Then I was going to ring the camp bell, and they were to be still and listen for the LORD’s response. I sent them out. I watched from a distance.

Clearly, some were taking it more seriously than others. Then I rang the bell and almost instantly a wind came over the camp, a powerful yet caressing wind, strong yet not frightening, loud yet not alarming. And as I stood at the bell tower, Tony came out of nowhere, right up to me. “How did you do that?” he asked me. I smiled. “I didn’t,” I replied.

Our next activity was creating a symbol for themselves considering the gifts the LORD had given to them. I gave each a blob of Playdough. Almost everyone got into the activity immediately, talking as they labored. Almost everyone except Tony. He took his blog of Playdough, squished it twice and then plopped it on the table. I asked him if he was done. He smile so proudly, “Yep.” I thought to myself, I can’t wait to hear this explanation.

After everyone was done, I went around and asked each to introduce their symbol and explain it. There were hearts for “loving.” There were flowers for “caring.” There were hands for “helpful.” I saved Tony for last. “So, Tony, tell us about your symbol.”

“It’s potential.”

And I smile. Silently I confessed to the Spiri I’d not entirely trusted. I begged forgiveness.

As we go forward in our Lenten journeys, let us remain open to the Spirit, trusting in the Spirit whom Christ promised to us to gift us, to grace us, to guide us. May our journey include real time sharing our thoughts, needs, and hopes with the LORD and then being still to listen. And may we allow the Spirit to awaken within us the potential that is there.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.