The Imaginative If

Bishop Ronald A. Hicks of the Diocese of Joliet 

 Our bishop releases a monthly article on the diocese website. His last one was entitle "The Gift of Imagination", and his most recent one, released just this week was entitled, "IF". Very simply, that one simple word, those two simple letters. There are two parts of his reflection on this simple word that I want to call you to mind to: "That tiny word, “if,” encourages us to believe in the miraculous, and to trust that God can work wonders through even the smallest act of faith. It does not demand perfection but presents many hopeful possibilities.", and second,  "You are a beloved child of God. When it comes to God and the divine love freely given to all of us, there is no “if” whatsoever!". Now in this article he also speaks about the Temptation of Jesus, and how the devil uses the word "if". He says that the word "if" can have powerful connotation, as he speaks of in the beginning. It allows us to open our imagination wide, to think deep about God. But then he speaks that it can made "a stumbling block"

"In moments of trial, we too face the temptation to question God’s love or plan: “If God is good, why am I suffering?” We are fallible humans; our faith is often tested during challenging times. But our faith calls us to move beyond these doubts, trusting in God’s greater purpose even when we do not completely understand. ... I invite you to eliminate any and all doubts about Jesus and yourself. God never says, I will only love you “if” you are perfect. God's love and mercy for you are unconditional."

So, while if can open us to a world of imagination, it can also open us into a world of doubt, and in faith this doubt can lead us to question, especially the love of God. But there is no "if" condition to God's love, rather there is only God's love than never ceases no matter what we do.

My first though after reading this column was about seminarians, and when you often ask them, "when will you be ordained", many of them begin by saying, "God willing...". Above all, to me this question of "if", leads us to ask, "If God is calling me, then..."

You may know I have a technology related YouTube Channel, called the "Atari Guy", and a part of programing is "if/then"statements. And I am sure we all remember lear
ning these in school too. These question can allow us to grow in our thinking, and when it comes to discernment, they allow us to question and grow deeper into finding God's will. As Bishop Hicks says, they open our imiganition, encouraging us to trust God, opening our mind (and hearts) to new possibilities. Above all these question are important for all of us. Opening our imaginations, our hearts and minds, to where God is calling us, be it to the priesthood or married life. These questions remain important ot us, so ask then, think, open your imagination and your minds and hearts to these question, to God's will, to explore. 

Original article: https://www.diojoliet.org/w/if?fbclid=IwY2xjawJCgglleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHbDu-B2YcqOM8YQn-Bwc-2TMY1Ax-Ycf8c_M7uO-dSFf_RAMr7oD3-2eVw_aem_Nv9qwq1VnInk9KRNz-RTNw

Photos: 1. On Article Page, 2. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BCg8891Jr/, Diocese of Joliet Ordination from 2022, priests offer their first blessing to the Bishop, 3. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Ajeg41h8V/, Diocese of Joliet Ceremony of Candidacy

I wanted to share the last two photos since they took place in my Diocese, and wanted to show some of the seminarians.