Reflection
Reflection on William Barry’s ’ Book
The Practice of Spiritual Direction
By: Mayra Casas Hall, November 2, 2009
After October’s program with Fr. William Barry, I felt a resonance with his Jesuit spirituality. In particular, he reminded spiritual directors to begin the spiritual direction process by helping the seeker think about his or her orientation in life. If that orientation is toward God (however that is understood), then the director simply helps that person notice the reactions (emotions, thoughts, and desires) that move them toward God. Then, just trust that God will do the rest. I find this to be an ingeniously clear synthesis of what I’ve learned about the spiritual direction process.
The thought that ran through my mind was, “isn’t it just like the God I know to make it simple for me to notice what moves me toward God and what moves me away.” Discerning which reactions to explore and slowing down to explore them is the sometimes challenging innerwork itself, but the process is still simple. The Christian Scripture that comes to mind is found in Matthew 11:29-30: “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart, and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy and my burden light.”
In today’s world where we often experience many stressful anxieties, it is like a healing balm to be reminded of the simplicity of the process of growing closer to the One who offers rest and ease. Thank you!
