Vocatus atque non vocatus, Deus aderit

Let me begin by saying, I’m not much of a Latin scholar. Clarification – I am no Latin scholar. Although I remember how much I loved my little missalette in Latin and in English, as a child, always ready to respond “et cum spirit tu tuo!” with vigor, but I did not pursue further study.

The translation of these particular Latin words is “Bidden or not bidden, God is present.” I recall the first time I ever saw or heard these words, when I saw the above plaque, although written in English. The phrase appealed to me, because at that time, newly back to church, I realized how God had been acting in my life all along. God – seemingly unbidden, forever present!

This is what came to mind when I read this link at The Jesuit Post today. I wish that Todd were here, because as someone who works with college students, I think that he would have something to say about this whole matter.

It is wearying for me to sit with others, no matter how well intentioned we all might be and discuss how to draw young people back, or into the church in the first place. Often, all of this is done, with no ill intention, without the input of many – or any – young people. Or if there are young people present, they are often the ones already deeply embedded in the church. Listen – I’m so deeply grateful for them and for their presence, but I can’t help but think that they might not even always know how to reach their church-free compatriots.

How we busy ourselves, in search of these young, the slightly older young, the middle aged and beyond. *sigh* What are we to do? And how egotistical is it to think that we have all the answers and that those we are trying to attract have none of the answers?

Fr. Adolfo Nicolas SJ, photobombed at WYD

Fr. Adolfo Nicolás SJ, Superior General of the Jesuits is present at World Youth Day in Rio this week, and he spoke with some young people. Here is what TJP had to say about this:

Responding to questions and concerns voiced by young representatives from 6 continents about the experience of young people with faith and the Church, Fr. General slowed down and said, with perfect confidence, “God has not been idle with the young.”

Using 8 words – “God has not been idle with the young” –  Fr. General said something very profound, and something that goes far beyond the young alone. As the saying goes, Vocatus atque non vocatus, Deus aderit! God is not idle with any of us. Ever.  If God were idle, would we even be here discussing this? Fr. General went on to say:

He reframes the entire issue: instead of a problem with young people ignoring God, a problem for us to fix in them, we have instead a question: what is God up to here? This question changes the stakes and challenges our presumptions. It asks us, point-blank, “Do I really believe that God has stopped working with these people? That God is doing nothing in their hearts when they challenge and question the Church?”

He reframes the entire issue: instead of a problem with young people ignoring God, a problem for us to fix in them, we have instead a question: what is God up to here? This question changes the stakes and challenges our presumptions. It asks us, point-blank, “Do I really believe that God has stopped working with these people? That God is doing nothing in their hearts when they challenge and question the Church?”

What IS God up to here? That we do not know, but perhaps some quiet reflection, some actual prayer, and some conversation to engage, not reject, those who are “outside” of the circle are called for. Along with an open mind. And heart. Yeah – I know, easier said than done. Even when that is what we want.

Perhaps we have to be able to imagine ourselves outside of the circle, and not within. Maybe we need to simply not imagine what we think we might want at all. We are called to be Christ in the world, but our own overlay may not always help. And how frequently does our own vision override that of God’s action in the world? God is here, whether or not we, or anyone else wants God. Even when we want God, we often go around acting as if God is unbidden, as we busy ourselves with the best of intentions to “fix” things up.

I’m glad that Todd is on retreat and I have been praying for his peace and refreshment. Add to that, I look forward to my own times away to be quietly away from the day to day activities of life and ministry. Each day, God invites us – whether God is bidden or not – to retreat and to listen.

God is never idle, but perhaps God asks for our own idleness that brings a kind of open silence. In that idleness, might we listen and respond might we discover ways of being that we have not yet imagined? Speaking for myself, why is it so hard for me to remember the words that have such power in my own life? Vocatus atque non vocatus, Deus aderit!

Advertisement