In a world often obsessed with grand gestures and extraordinary feats, Father Innocent, a Franciscan Friar of the Renewal, reminds us that true holiness lies in the ordinary moments of our lives. His conversation with Julia and Gino Barbar highlights the challenges and joys of both religious and family life, emphasizing the importance of trust, discipline, and finding God in the present moment.
The Illusion of Control and the Reality of Poverty:
Father Innocent candidly discusses the gap between the romanticized image of religious life and its everyday realities. He emphasizes that just like married life and parenthood, religious life is filled with challenges, limitations, and the constant need to surrender control.
- The Struggle is Real:
- He highlights the daily commitment to prayer, even when tired or overwhelmed.
- He acknowledges the “monotony” of daily tasks and the importance of finding holiness in the small things.
- He speaks of the illusion of control, reminding us that life can change in an instant, leaving us feeling “poor” and vulnerable.
- Trusting in God’s Plan:
- Despite the challenges, Father Innocent emphasizes the importance of trusting in God’s plan, even when we don’t understand it.
- He states “at some point we have to trust in what God’s doing we trust that God has a plan and that’s not a copout because we still have to be actively a part of his plan every day God is going to take care of us and he has a plan”
- He advocates for “holding things lightly,” balancing discipline with flexibility and openness to God’s will.
Finding God in the Present Moment:
Father Innocent challenges the notion that holiness is found in extraordinary acts or perfect routines. He emphasizes that God meets us in the present moment, in the midst of our daily lives.
- Holiness in the Ordinary:
- He encourages mothers to find God in the moments of folding laundry or nursing a baby.
- He reminds fathers that their silent time with Jesus might be the 15-minute drive home from work.
- He stresses that “holiness is in the present moment and in reality.”
- Fighting the Lies:
- He urges us to fight the lies that we have to perform or do more to be holy.
- He emphasizes that Jesus speaks to us with love and compassion, not with judgment or condemnation.
- He also points out that our vocations and our prayers start in reality.
Identity and Mission:
Father Innocent discusses his books and his passion for helping people discover their identity in Jesus.
- A God-Given Mission:
- He believes that every baptized person has a unique God-given mission.
- He emphasizes the importance of asking God, “Who are you?” and “Who am I?”
- He believes that understanding our identity in Jesus is essential for living a meaningful life.
- The Identity Crisis:
- He notes that many young people today are experiencing an identity crisis, searching for meaning in all the wrong places.
- He uses St. Francis as an example of someone who found his true identity in God after a period of searching.
Key Takeaways:
- Holiness is found in the ordinary moments of our lives.
- Trusting in God’s plan is essential, even when we don’t understand it.
- God meets us in the present moment, in the midst of our daily lives.
- Understanding our identity in Jesus is essential for living a meaningful life.
- Discipline and structure are important, but they must be balanced with flexibility and trust.
