God's unique relationship with each of us

God’s unique relationship with each of us

Cl. Mario D’Couto SDB

            It is not essential that everyone in the community adopt the same devotion for one may feel a deep awareness of God’s presence when sitting quietly in the chapel while another may find that he or she has a sense of identity with Christ while making the Way of the Cross. What is a distraction for one may be an ideal exercise for another. The point is, both are praying. There is no need for one to participate in the other’s devotion.

            A problem arises if this individual approach leads to the neglect of the fundamentals. For example, attendance at Mass and prescribed community prayers may be neglected in favour of making a special novena or participating in a prayer group. As long as caution is exercised in regard to the essential conditions and community exercises, it is wise to respect the uniqueness of each person’s prayer life.

            What may speak to me in a scripture passage may not reach someone else. Our unique profile of strengths and failings makes for limitless possibilities of prayer. This diversity is as beautiful as it is seen in nature. Yet this beauty often goes unnoticed because we are close to it. Instead it becomes a source of conflict.

            It may be advantageous that times and kinds of personal prayer are no longer detailed but have become the responsibility of each Christian. Just as each tree is unique and blossoms at its own pace, so each person’s prayer life is a unique expression in the Lord of his or her personal emergence.

            To improve one form of prayer on all members of a community would lead to impoverishment, both for the individuals concerned and the community as a whole.


            Jesus reminds us that there are many mansions in His Father’s house.  The Father does not expect us to fit into the same mansion in the same way. He has allowed for variety and diversity in all manifestations of creation. He is aware that each of us has to go towards Him at one’s own time and pace. He respects the uniqueness of each one’s personal way.  The question is do I?

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