Desire For God

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. We often find ourselves caught up in the daily grind, forgetting the deeper purpose that lies within us. But what if there was a way to tap into something more profound, something that could transform our entire existence? This is where the concept of spiritual desire comes into play – a powerful force that can awaken our souls and lead us to a life of true fulfillment.

At its core, spiritual desire is our soul’s movement toward God. It’s not just about believing in a higher power or attending religious services; it’s about yearning for a deep, intimate connection with the Divine. This desire is awakened by grace and sustained by the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. It’s a journey that begins with God’s initiative, stirring within us a hunger for something more.

To truly understand spiritual desire, we must first grasp the concept of the soul. Our soul is not simply a part of us; it is the very essence of who we are. It’s the life-giving core of our being, the spiritual principle that animates our body and gives us our human identity and eternal dignity. The soul is the bridge between earth and heaven, allowing us to know God, love Him, and freely choose our eternal destiny.

When we allow ourselves to be moved by spiritual desire, we open ourselves up to a transformative experience. It’s not about striving to be “good” or trying harder in our own strength. Instead, it’s about surrendering to God’s grace and allowing Him to work within us. This desire leads us to a place of divine intimacy, where we long to be filled with God’s presence and to become more like Him.

The story of Mother Mary MacKillop serves as a beautiful example of someone who lived with deep spiritual desire. From a young age, she was acutely aware of God’s presence, writing at just 15 years old, “I cannot forget that God is always with me.” Her life was characterized by an abandonment of comfort in pursuit of God’s will, a willingness to enter into silence and prayer, and a bold compassion for the poor. She didn’t just believe in God; she sought union with Him, allowing her spiritual desire to fuel her actions and shape her entire life.

As we contemplate our own spiritual journey, we might ask ourselves: What do we truly desire? Are we content with a surface-level faith, or do we long for something deeper? The invitation is clear – to move beyond mere belief and into a place of yearning for God with everything within us.

This journey of spiritual desire is not always easy. It requires us to let go of our own agendas and surrender to God’s will. It may lead us into uncomfortable situations or periods of silence and solitude. But as we persist in this pursuit, we begin to experience a profound transformation. We become more aware of God’s presence in our daily lives, and we start to see others through His eyes of love and compassion.

The beauty of spiritual desire is that it’s not something we have to generate on our own. God is constantly reaching out to us, stirring our hearts and inviting us into a deeper relationship with Him. Our role is simply to respond – to say “yes” to His invitation and to cooperate with the grace He offers.

As we cultivate this spiritual desire, we may find that our actions begin to change. We become more attuned to the needs of those around us, more willing to step out in faith and serve others. We start to see ourselves as the hands, feet, and voice of Christ in the world. But these actions flow not from obligation or duty, but from a heart that has been transformed by love.

The journey of spiritual desire is a lifelong process. It’s not about reaching a destination but about continually deepening our relationship with God. Even in times of trial or spiritual dryness, we can choose to keep our hearts turned toward Him, trusting that He is always at work within us.

As we reflect on this concept of spiritual desire, we might consider:

1. How aware are we of God’s presence in our daily lives?
2. Do we take time for silence and stillness, allowing ourselves to be awakened to God’s movement within us?
3. In what ways are we cooperating with God’s grace, saying “yes” to His invitations?
4. How is our spiritual desire (or lack thereof) reflected in our actions and relationships?

The invitation is clear – to move beyond a surface-level faith and into a place of deep longing for God. It’s a journey that requires patience, perseverance, and a willingness to be transformed. But as we open ourselves to this spiritual desire, we discover a life of true power, impact, freedom, and purpose.

In the words attributed to St. Augustine, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.” May we embrace this restlessness, allowing it to fuel our spiritual desire and lead us into an ever-deepening relationship with the Divine. As we do, we may find that our lives become a testament to the transformative power of God’s love, touching the lives of others and bringing a bit of heaven to earth.

Let us embark on this journey of spiritual desire with open hearts and minds, ready to be awakened to the profound reality of God’s presence within us and around us. For it is in this awakening that we truly come alive, fulfilling the deepest longings of our souls and experiencing the abundant life we were created for.