October 21, 2005
We recently had a request to offer some practical “helps to holiness” and some suggestions “to help us grow in the spiritual life”. I can only imagine there are many Friends of the Friars who would appreciate an answer.
To begin with, I must say that the mere fact our friend used the phrase “grow in the spiritual life” indicates a knowledge that the Christian life is more than belonging to a church or believing in something. Faith, therefore, is not a static but rather a dynamic reality which we may possess but must deepen and develop. This is reflected in the holy gospel as Our Lord uses illustrations of things which grow like leaven, wheat, and even weeds. In the Book of Isaiah we read about a vineyard planted to produce sweet grapes, yet instead, the field yields “wild” grapes. No doubt, the vine grower was disappointed because what was destined for the wine carafe, ended up in a salad cruet. Excuse the pun, but it was a very bitter disappointment!
Growth is a part of life, whether it’s a tiny cell in a lab or giant sequoia in a forest; if it is healthy it will grow and mature. As opposed to plants, animals, and insects, humans grow and develop not just physically but also emotionally, intellectually, and of course, spiritually. What is in us and about us plays a big part in the process; the family, in particular, plays a crucial role in the process of human maturation. This is why some people become tender and graceful like white birches as they were protected from the wind; others resemble tough scrub pines twisted by the wind. The apple indeed doesn’t fall far from the tree.
Let us now consider the question about spiritual growth. Here we can gain some real insight by looking into the lives of authentically spiritual people, namely the saints. Catholics cannot plead ignorance here; but, if you’re a Baptist, you’re excused! The Catholic Church has literally thousands of people who have been canonized, that is, who have made the “holy list”. Theywere planted in the same soil as each of us, but they matured and developed wonderfully. No doubt, God, who is the owner of the vineyard, is pleased when He sees these heavy clusters of juicy grapes sweetening in the sun. The saints show us what this thing we call “humanity” is really supposed to look like, and perhaps to the Divine palate – even taste like!
The process of spiritual maturation begins at baptism. By this outward sign we are joined, or “incorporated”, into the body of Christ. This body is both visible and mystical, and we call it “the Church”. As an infant receives nourishment by being incorporated into its mother, so too the person with God. This unity is not just symbolic or even simply spiritual; rather it’s a very real and all encompassing union. This means that a Christian receives its very life from being connected to the vine. While we often say “Christ lives in me”; it is more accurate to say we live in Him.
However, being rooted is not enough; we must cooperate in the process of growth. We must receive irrigation and radiation – that is, be both “watered and warmed” by supernatural grace. Sacred art often used the images of a brilliant sun in the sky or a simple stone well to represent the indispensable gift of grace which we find in the sacraments. While these are external realities, gifts given by God, we must willingly accept and unwrap them. The sun and the rain descend from above, but we must open ourselves to receive their benefits.
Finally, an experienced vinedresser knows he must prune the vines if they are to bear the best and most abundant fruit. Whatever might hinder growth, he hacks off. We must do the same. If you want to grow holy and you are offending God – cut it out! Finally, there’s the fertilizer. We all know life’s trials and tribulations stink, but the saints teach us that these can be used by God for a great harvest. Remember in the end there will only be two baskets – one for vinegar and the other for vintage wine.
Fr. Glenn Sudano, CFR
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