From the Friars Daily eLetter

April 12, 2008

Water as a Sign of God’s Grace

Grace can be compared to rain and snow. “Thus says the Lord: Just as from the heavens the rain and snow come down and do not return there till they have watered the earth, making it fertile and fruitful, giving seed to the one who sows and bread to the one who eats, so shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth; it shall not return to me void, but shall do my will, achieving the end for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:10-11).

Grace nourishes the soul like water the soil. Grace is an important thing in the spiritual life, yet it is hard to grasp. I have come to believe that God’s grace often comes to us through experiences. The Bible is full of stories about this.

Based on this reality, allow me to make a recommendation for your spiritual life. It is a good thing to take time in prayer so as to reflect on your life, your experiences. Grace comes to us from every direction. We all know that this is true regarding prayer and the sacraments. We often miss the graces which come through various experiences: it could be an encounter, an event, a conversation, etc.

Sometimes I am aware that I am receiving graces. This is like rain on my soul. Sometimes I only become aware that I received graces after the fact, when I am prayerfully reflecting on some conversation, some experience. This is like snow on my soul. It just lays there until it is melted by the heat of prayer and reflection, then it soaks in.

Pray, pray, pray

Fr. Luke Mary Fletcher, CFR
St. Joseph Friary, New York, NY



April 12, 2008 Water as a Sign of God’s Grace Grace can be compared to rain and snow. “Thus says the Lord: Just as from the heavens the rain and snow come down and do not return there till they have watered the earth, making it fertile and fruitful, giving seed to the one who sows and bread to the one who eats, so shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth; it shall not return to me void, but shall do my will, achieving the end for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:10-11). Grace nourishes the soul like water the soil. Grace is an important thing in the spiritual life, yet it is hard to grasp. I have come to believe that God’s grace often comes to us through experiences. The Bible is full of stories about this. Based on this reality, allow me to make a recommendation for your spiritual life. It is a good thing to take time in prayer so as to reflect on your life, your experiences. Grace comes to us from every direction. We all know that this is true regarding prayer and the sacraments. We often miss the graces which come through various experiences: it could be an encounter, an event, a conversation, etc. Sometimes I am aware that I am receiving graces. This is like rain on my soul. Sometimes I only become aware that I received graces after the fact, when I am prayerfully reflecting on some conversation, some experience. This is like snow on my soul. It just lays there until it is melted by the heat of prayer and reflection, then it soaks in. Pray, pray, pray Fr. Luke Mary Fletcher, CFR St. Joseph Friary, New York, NY