I coudn’t help this week but notice the ongoing request for a software update to my phone. I don’t know about you but I really get annoyed by them. IOS or Android give us the chance when our batteries are charged and we have WiFi to either update now, later or overnight. I can’t remember how much I have pressed LATER, chosen to ignore it, delay the update until eventually some Apps stop working and then I have no choice but to update.
This analogy reminds me of our constant need to have updates for our spiritual life. Our operating spiritual system needs constant updating. We know and feel that when we hit obstacles. When we face suffering, grief, illness or when our faith is being questioned and tested. We realise that our operating system, who God IS for us, Our IMAGE of God is no longer sufficient. It needs updating.
Most of us choose to delay it, ignore it as we either deny the warning or simply are too busy to have time to update. We then, like the phone system, get to a point where all our apps are no longer working. This could mean we begin to struggle in our prayer life or disconnect from mass, disconnect and struggle with our family relationships or friendships or even at work. Some even struggle in responding to their faith because they are operating on a software system in terms of faith-education from the high school days.
Here the Holy Spirit is our guide who reminds us and urges us to update. He sends those messages. He gives us messages directly and indirectly through people. He waits and never tires patiently. God always waits even when we choose to operate in sin. He waits like the Father in the prodigal son story to come home and update. Sometimes when we sinning seriously or repetitively we think God will no longer send us messages because he is ready to abandon us. This means our image of God needs updating because this is the time God floods us with reminders perhaps more than ever to update.
The call here for us to respond and update. Spend more time in prayer and listen to where and what God is asking of me. Attend mass and be nourished by the Sacraments. Read scripture the source of all updates. Educate ourselves in the faith by doing courses or attending faith talks. Go to retreats or festivals. The key is to let God guide us. He will show us. He always does.
So next time the phone buzzes remember to install NOW.
Burning Hearts 