“Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation.”

(From Lk. 11:29-32)

 In priestly ministry, people will sometimes ask if I am available for what we commonly call spiritual direction.  This consists of one-on-one conversations on a regular basis with them to help them discern the movement of the Spirit in their life, their vocation, prayer life, and so on.  Here in Saint Jude Parish, this is a common request from college students. Often, they’re not necessarily sure what their looking for but feel they lack something.  This aspect of ministry, as with the others, is something very special.  A while back, during one such conversation, a young man shared with me that the older he gets, the more he recognizes what he calls “God nudges” in his life.  That kind of hit me, and so I asked him if I could share that phrase and use it in a retreat shortly after that.  He was totally comfortable with that.  His words come to mind for me again today as I read the words of Jesus in Luke’s Gospel.  A verse of this is included at the top of this page.  The “God nudges” image is one that can help us discern God’s will in our life, whether something that is happening, something that we’re doing is the right way to go or not. I don’t necessarily feel God gives us signs, but I do feel strongly that God gives us signs of affirmation. These are the little things—actually not so little at all—that happen along the way and encourage us in our direction and manner of living.  My friend, the late Peggy LeBlanc, use to call these “God moments.”  I was with her, for example, when we both saw the Grand Canyon for the first time.  Whenever a parent holds a newborn child in their arms.  And so on.  It happens in everyday moments too: the sunset, a random act of kindness or gratitude that someone shows us.  In our Gospel today, Jesus appears to be somewhat frustrated.  “This generation,” he says, “seeks a sign.”  He wanted them to know the only “sign” they needed was standing right there—in Jesus himself.  There is certainly nothing wrong in referring to these little “God nudges” as signs.  I just accept each as a gift.  Simply put, if we’re too busy, we may miss them. I think of one such moment from my own life.  Several years ago, there was something extremely difficult going on in my life.  The “what” isn’t really that important. Worth noting is the fact that it was on my mind literally 24 hours a day.  Then, one Sunday, on the front steps of church after Mass, as hundreds of people were coming out and most of them trying to say hello, shake my hand, and what not, a young man who I did not know that well, appeared from the crowd, walked up to me, embraced me, and whispered in my ear, “Don’t worry, Father Trey.  Everything is gonna be ok.”  Then he walked away.  Now, here’s the thing. No one, and I mean NO ONE knew what was going on, except for me and God.  At first, I wasn’t sure what to do with that.  A friend of mine who is Catholic and a psychologist suggested, “Don’t try to dissect it or explain it in any way.  It’s a gift.  Just accept it as a gift.” 

These gifts are all around us, as Jesus says, “…something greater here.”  Again, this is our Lenten call to slow down, stop, and listen.