Shoes

God in all things and all things in God.

Finding God in all things, the invitation to encounter God in all we do, is an essential part of Ignatian spirituality. The possibility of an encounter with God is not limited to our spiritual practice or when we visit a church or other sacred space. Ignatian charism encourages the believer to pay attention to the inner movement of the spirit, growing our awareness of feelings and emotions as we go through our days. This all helps us discern God’s presence in an around us.

Within the Catholic tradition, there are a variety of Religious Orders, each with their charism.  Franciscans, for example, are called to living a gospel life. The heart of gospel living is about relationships: relationship with God, others and self. Dominicans are a preaching and teaching order; the Benedictines are known for their balance of ‘Ora et Labora’–pray and work. Jesuits are famous for the Spiritual Exercises and the Examen of finding God in all things.

The brief list above only describes the Roman Catholic flavours. The Protestant churches offer other characteristics. There are Liberals, ‘literalists’, and those who focus on music or preaching. Another aspect can be how community orientated the Church is. Do they value social engagements or are people like ships meeting in the night? Finding a church community that ticks all the boxes might prove to be a challenge!

On my quest to find some shoes or boots, it struck me that finding the right Church is similar to discerning what shoes to buy. Do I acquire a pair for a season or a lifetime? High heel, no heel, boot or shoe. And if I buy boots, do I want ankle boots or calf boots? Plain or with some interesting features? The same questions apply for my shoes, do I buy pretty shoes or practical shoes, with laces or ‘pull-on’; not to mention the options around hiking boots!

When we look for a church, do we chose the one closest to us? Or where we went as children? Or maybe there is a church for each life’s season?

In today’s society, people move around; adolescents leave home to go to university, or work outside the town they grew up in. Apart from the school-leavers, older people move around too. Professionals move around with work. Others move because of family. Young people may gravitate to a more energetic way of worship unless they prefer a structured approach. Families with young children will make a different choice than those with teenagers.

Choosing a church is not quite the same as buying shoes. You have to work out what you want or need from a church community, and where you sense God is calling you to. As we grow older and our faith and understanding deepens, we may want to look around.

If you go to Church, was the choice you made, a conscious decision of where to go? What was the main reason for your decision? And if you have left the Church, is it a good time to find a new pair of boots?

Seek Peace and find it within.