Practice of Presence of God: Means to Genuine Faith
In order to maintain the spirit of fervent and humble faith … we must often recall the presence of God. (OOCC, II, p. 62)
The life of St. Vincent Pallotti was animated and directed by the spirit of faith. Revival of faith within himself and others was his main apostolic goal. A statement he often addressed to himself and others was “Let us revive our faith.” His lively faith helped St. Vincent to see God and his presence in every created being. As a result, he had cultivated a right and proper relationship with the things of this world. He saw them as a means to reach God. Hence, his faith made him unattached to the things of the world using everything he possessed for the glory of God. He constantly maintained a spirit of fervent and humble faith in his life. Besides living such a faith, he also taught the same spirit of faith to others. According to St. Vincent, the best way to maintain a genuine spirit of faith was the practice of the presence of God. Continual recalling of the presence of God would make a person totally open to God at every situation of his life. Regular practice of the presence of God would make the person see God in everything. This attitude of seeing God in everything would, in turn, make him totally dependent on God, finding in God his ultimate rest. In this manner, St. Vincent on one hand used his faith to experience God’s presence, and on the other hand used the practice of the presence God to enliven and deepen his faith in God.
Do I maintain a spirit of humble and fervent faith in my life? Does my faith help me to have the right and proper relationship with the things of the world? How do I maintain genuine spirit of faith in my life? Do I use my faith to experience God’s presence and use the practice of God’s presence to deepen and enliven my faith?
My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest. (Ex. 33:14)