Reflection: Encountering God through experience

Reginald Kurkalang SJ

As a first-year theology student at Vidyajyoti College of Theology in Delhi, I had the unique opportunity to encounter the divine presence within the rich tapestry of Hindu and Muslim cultures during an immersion program in Lucknow and Varanasi.

In the culturally vibrant settings of Lucknow and Varanasi, I felt the Spirit of God not only in the warm hospitality of the Muslim community but also in the bonds forged with my Hindu peers. Engaging in prayer and reflecting on these moments fostered a deep sense of humility, helping me recognize the greatness of God and His boundless compassion for all, irrespective of their religious backgrounds.

Hearing the Muslim brothers in Lucknow say: "Go back to the Book, go back to the root of the religion," stirred something profound within me. Their words served as a powerful reminder of my spiritual journey in reading and contemplating the biblical narratives.

In Varanasi, the wisdom of Kabir resonated with me on a deep level. His teachings on maintaining inner calm and moral strength highlighted the significance of living a virtuous life.

Moreover, I was profoundly moved by the spiritual symbolism of the narrow "gullies" leading to the Ganga, which reminded me that various faiths guiding individuals toward salvation, much like St. Ignatius' vision of 'finding God in all things.'

My experiences in Lucknow and Varanasi taught me how to locate myself in context while reflecting on the Sacred Scripture and our revered traditions. I begin to feel the revelation of God's covenant with humanity, which emphasises God's constant guidance throughout history, and Christ's mission among the marginalized, the poor, the sick, and the outcasts.

These exposures helped me to integrate within the teachings of Gaudium et Spes that highlight the Church's duty in addressing the joys and struggles of humanity, asserting that God's presence can be seen in our deepest experiences (GS 1). The Church is urged to engage in humble service, reflecting the love of Christ.

I am reminded of Pope Francis' 'Laudato Si' that emphasizes our interconnectedness with the natural world-our shared home. This is deeply aligned with the Christian mission: to act responsibly and care for the environment we inhabit. Faith transcends mere intellect; it calls for compassionate action.

I begin to find myself fully opened to the teachings of the Church that just as Christ reached the hearts of men and women through genuine dialogue, leading them to the divine light, so too should his disciples - imbued with the spirit of Christ - engage with those around them. Through sincere and patient dialogue, they can discover the richness that a generous God has distributed among the nations (Cf. Ad Gentes 11).

My conviction, that in Jesus, God walks alongside His people has moved from head to heart. These experiences fill me with the deep conviction that God is not a distant figure; He is a transformative and a healing presence that calls us to a mission of love.