Facilitating the Awakening of Faith
"Faith is man's response to God, who reveals himself and gives himself to man, at the same time bringing man a superabundant light as he searches for the ultimate meaning of his life." (Catechism of the Catholic Church #26)
The gift of faith is freely given to the one who seeks, not forced upon a person who is not wanting it. One can learn OF faith intellectually, but to experience faith, it must be something coming from within, from a place of subtle encounter with a real and alive God. It is man's response to God, which assumes a willingness and a search for God leading to an encounter with this God.
This is why it is so important to include in the beginning sessions [during the inquiry phase of sacramental prep] a process of facilitating the person recognizing where they have already experienced God in their lives. [See session # The Life Line] There is much in our culture that pulls us away from God and encourages doubt. Honest, open ended doubt and questioning within a faith community however can be a healthy part of owning ones faith for oneself, a process of discovering a personal relationship with God. Doubt encourages questioning, and questioning within a faith community encourages faith sharing and witnessing by the team and by other students. In this witnessing, one discovers a path blazed by Christ and by others, where one can "come and see." It also facilitates a sense that this is a safe environment, where one is free to question and to share ones thoughts. This is critical in this becoming a real faith journey, not just a “class.” If students feel comfortable talking out their thoughts and questions, then real growth can take place--and the possibility of eventually sharing of one's encounter with God and their owned faith. As faith, hope and love are expressed in these discussions and activities, gradually a love of Christ is developed, and once love, then “If you love Me you will keep my commands.” A catechetical process that focuses on rules first and isn't build on the cornerstone of love has missed the point, and will often miss the students.
I often liken it to a person falling in love. First you meet the person, then you get to know the person. As you get to know this person, if they are a good match and of good character, you start to fall in love with that person. Once you truly love this person, you want to please your beloved, to make him or her happy, to do what is best for that person. So you often do what that person asks for, because it will please them, and thus you. It is not painful to do what you know will make your loved one happy (unless they are asking for something impossible, selfish or wrong, which would not be love). This is why it is crucial for the potential disciple to first get to know our Lord, deeply, through His Word, and to connect with Him personally, through His action and Presence in their lives. Then the rest follows naturally.
Please see <<Facilitating small groups>> and