Thomas More: The Gentle Voice Within
“When was the last time you paused to listen to your conscience before making a decision?”
Today’s Guest Blogger is: Sr Susan Widdel, Pastoral Minister at OLIH, and a Sister of Mercy.
When I signed up to do one of the reflections, I chose Thomas More because the title The Gentle Voice Within caught my attention.
I have been doing pastoral care, visiting people, in most of my years of ministry. There were days when I had this voice, or feeling, telling me it would be good to stop and see a specific person or give them a call. If I paid attention to this, the person would say to me “how did you know I needed a visit?”
The reflection by Matthew Kelly draws me deeper. I see this can be a challenge to me to be more aware of God calling me to deeper reflection in my life. As I reflected on the decision to go to part time this year, I realized how God was working in my life. I have the privilege of doing an annual retreat. During retreat last March, I reflected on how I was feeling about ministry. I could see that I wasn’t as deeply engaged with RCIA as I once was. I didn’t have the energy for the ministry I once did. It was time to make a change. I do miss seeing the conversion in people as they develop a deeper relationship with God. I have more energy for what I am doing now.
Thomas More acted on the voice within by not signing a document he couldn’t follow. It cost him his life. What is your inner voice calling to you? Are you willing to listen and take the risk it may cost you?