New Haven Register (Sunday) (New Haven, CT)
Taking time to be insightful a profoundly spiritual practice
Rose Kennedy was known as a devout Catholic. In her passing, we seminarians were called upon to serve her funeral Mass in the church of her youth, St. Stephens in Boston’s North End.
The conflict for me was a mandatory “theological reflection” that was a touchstone for priestly formation which had been scheduled in the major seminary.
As a grandson of Irish immigrants I wanted to be present for this historic rite. But, my future ministry was to be given a skill that has proven invaluable. I reluctantly declined to serve as an acolyte and resentfully showed up to the session directed by an accomplished theologian. The wise professor recounted the words of another faculty member’s homily, reminding us that, “we are human beings, not human doings,” and pointed out that we were taking time to be, that we might do what is most important.
What I drew from this experience was the importance of not simply having an isolated rehashing of activity, but an intentional gathering of voices. In a community grounded in both Sacred Scripture and Tradition, time has to be set aside to gain the insights needed for growth both individually and to flourish as a people of faith.
In this season of verdant nature and leisure time to appreciate the gift of living, I would suggest that you find a
beautiful setting, connect with a good friend and enjoy a deeply reflective conversation which names the grace that has been coursing through your lives.
I have seen this occur in parish book discussions, walks through Edgerton Park, climbing Sleeping Giant and strolling through the Yale Art Gallery. Taking time not to be productive but insightful is a profoundly spiritual practice that elevates one’s interior life as well as your ability to make deeply satisfying connections to those you encounter. Theological reflection is a penetrating practice that creates a nexus for meaning in our over-booked lives.
Enjoy this season of life.
The Rev. Dr. Michael J. Dolan is pastor of St. Thomas and St. Timothy Parish and president of Northwest Catholic High School, all in West Hartford.