We have lost the art of contemplation. We have failed in our efforts to integrate liturgy and work, prayer and service, faith and action. Balanced life Last Advent, Father James Bacik of Toledo, Ohio, conducted a day of recollection for the priests of our Diocese wherein he posited that the best way for priests to balance a busy life of service with a regular, nourishing prayer life is to develop a type of situation spirituality in which prayer and the spiritual exercises of priests flow organically out of their ministerial activities. For example, priests can say a quick prayer for guidance in difficult counseling situations, express gratitude to God when receiving an honest compliment, request the gift of patience in the midst of a boring meeting or when being confronted by an outraged parishioner, or ask forgiveness after being insensitive to someone in need. That principle can be extended to other situations as well.
Homily preparations provide a wonderful opportunity to reflect upon the Scriptures.
The responsibility for giving a talk can prompt spiritual reading around the topic. Stress and fatigue induced by ministerial activity can lead to adopting a regular regime of physical exercise. Driving to the hospital to visit the sick can set the stage for serious meditation or reflection. Doing, praying The key to a situational spirituality, then, is to use the events of priestly ministry as catalysts for prayer and other spiritual exercises. That approach enables priests to pray in the midst of a busy schedule and to be attuned to the presence of the Spirit in their daily round of service.