Is God in the Now ?

A Developing World Perspective.

Over the past two months “God in the Now” group-based experiences have been offered in Arusha (Tanzania), Kimberley (Southern Africa), Lukulu (Zambia) and Wewak/ Rabaul Papua New Guinea. There has been a consciousness among participants that they are part of a deepening sense of an unfolding larger God who is inviting brothers and those inspired by the Charism of Edmund Rice to be present to the reality of God in the everyday.

Over the 4 weeks of reflection and discussion participants come to see events, conversations, media news stories, quiet walks, discussions and meal times as 'thin places'. Places, where, if one is attentive and awake, the presence of God can be felt and observed. The insight is often experienced at a time when there is a chance to look back and asking the question: 'What is the deeper meaning of my feelings and experience?'

The spaces in our lives are potentially full of the possibility of new insights into God. We are invited to see with new eyes as the disciples on the Emmaus Road experienced as they took time to ask the the 'Why'? questions.

Here are some comments from those who have recently been part of the 'God in the Now' experience in the developing world:

Spiritual Practice
In regard to my daily spiritual practice I am energised to reflect and be more open on my life journey.
I feel Centring Prayer as a friend on the journey.
I used to say prayers but now I am speaking with God in deep silence.

Inner Life Movements
Practising the Centring Prayer opened a door for me.
Time for reflection has been very enriching.
I discovered true peace and mutual acceptance.
I am finding it easier to be conscious of God's presence in the silence.
I have been able to trust myself more comfortably and set boundaries to my fellow friends.
God brings me to the centre of the heart where God is present in me.
The experience brought me to full attention to myself.
The experience helped me really know the goodness that is within myself and is truly a new life experience.

Image of God Changes
I began to develop more positive thoughts and ideas about new ways of praying to a God of love and patience.
I have more presence of God within my life and speak from my deep heart through silent prayer.
God is the stillness of the pool with beautiful flowers growing around it; my God is silent and full of goodness.
I begin to see God face to face as a friend and brother.

So if 'the God' of our lives does not impinge and impact on the nitty-gritty moments of our days and nights then, whatever else it may be, God is not real for us. The experience of God does not deliver us from the difficulties of being human but it does put us back together after moments of breaking. Every act of the human is an act of the divine; God looks excitedly through our eyes whenever we look at anybody or any situation with wonder and delight and let the deeper meaning speak.

If you are interested in being part of the in-life 'God in the Now' group-based experience please go to www.edmundrice.org/crt and fill in the application form.

Peter Harney on behalf of the Congregation Renewal Team