Difficulties developing a more in depth faith

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StVeronica

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I tend to be a science/math and logic driven person. When it comes to the Catholic faith, I understand everything from this logical point of view. That’s part of why I love the Church, because everything that we believe makes sense, and if something is confusing, a rational answer can be provided. My problem is that I believe everything with my brain, but it’s harder for my heart to catch up. I don’t think I’ve ever had a moment where I felt the Holy Spirit like a lot of people seem to experience. I’m also a cradle Catholic, so I never had to be emotionally pulled to the Church like others. Do you have any advise for feeling closer to God emotionally?
 
Pray to God from the deepest depths of your heart. Tell Him everything. Thank Him for His goodness, His tender mercies, His providence and for His protection. Ask Him to hold you close and never let you go because He is your Father, and you are His child.
 
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I want to go to adoration more! I’m just afraid I’ll not know what to do or get bored in a way.
 
Why are you concerned about this?

I ask because some people end up not really having “feelings” towards God, either because they are just like that or for another reason God has them go through that.

Sometimes God gives us good feelings at certain times to encourage us, but they are not permanent. In fact, some people end up trying to find the consolation instead of God! Not realizing that feelings are empheral.

But your situation may be different, which is why ai ask why you are concerned…
 
to developing a more in depth faith
When the disciples asked Jesus to increase our faith in Luke 17:5 if you read the next couple of stories, you will find that Jesus answered the disciples–first do more than is required; second, be grateful. I am very science and logic oriented and it is in meditative prayer on the scriptures that causes my heart of over time be able to hear His voice.
Grace and peace, Bruce
 
Go! There’s no set time you have to stay — give yourself 15 minutes at first if that’s comfortable. You can just sit and talk with God privately. Or meditate on the mysteries while praying the rosary (be sure you have a guide that instructs you in how to apply each of them to your own prayers and life), read something spiritual… Sometimes I’m there and no real “feelings” arise — I consider these visits for His sake, to be with Him. Other times, I’ve definitely felt a need to be there for my own sake. I never knew about adoration as a child. But it’s been a great blessing as an adult.
 
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I would say that one could focus on the foundational relationship between man and God - one of love. Finite love in return for infinite, unconditional love. From that solid foundation the heart is nourished. Your spirit seeks to know God at a spiritual level equivalent to which your mind accepts the faith.

My unwavering advice is to find when your parish offers adoration of Christ in the Most Blessed Sacrament. Just go, and spend time with the One you love. Pray, read, or just contemplate the mystery.

Fr. Benedict Groeschel† spoke of the spiritual revelation which God has planned for us. "You can spend your life looking forward to it, or looking back on it. But when you are aware that He is there, you will be changed.

Go, and be as patient with the Lord as He has been with you. When you receive your consolation, you will more fully grasp Saint Paul’s writing regarding “the peace which surpasses all understanding.”
 
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StVeronica said:
I tend to be a science/math and logic driven person… My problem is that I believe everything with my brain, but it’s harder for my heart to catch up.
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It is good that you recognize the necessity of faith in your heart. You mentioned two different emotional aspects: feeling the Holy Spirit, and being emotionally pulled to the Church. I would suggest looking at it yet another way: Relationship. More specifically, personal relationship. Even more specifically, personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

I am a bit like you. I love the Catechism and the Bible, making logical connections, and finding answers to questions. In the last couple of years, I started reading other kinds of religious books. I noticed that many saints have a real one-on-one relationship, like a friendship, with Jesus.

I read and thought about what the Incarnation means – God became human, a fully human person, not just 2000 years ago, but eternally, and right now. Fully human and fully divine; earth and heaven are joined. God is near us. Jesus Christ is present in the Eucharist, of course, but he is also right there when we go to Confession and in all the sacraments.

I realized that I had been overlooking that personal connection, and I resolved to make my faith more personal. I am still working on it. It doesn’t exactly come easily to me, but I am praying more often, mostly small prayers, asking for help, giving thanks, and simple praise. I try to be more aware of the active presence of Jesus in my everyday life and in the world.

You used the word heart, and that is excellent. You want your heart to be involved/engaged in your faith, and you want your heart to be filled with love, joy, and peace. Bring your heart to Jesus and I believe it will happen.
 
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The paradox is, the more you try to force an emotion, the more elusive it becomes.

God doesn’t need you to feel any certain way. He meets you where you are. If you’re in a state of grace, you’re pleasing to Him simply because you’re His child.
 
The personal connection is what I’m trying to develop, I just didn’t have the words to phrase it like that. Thank you!
 
Living in our western culture, plus being a college student at a state school, it can be hard to develop faith. From my point of view, developing my faith more on the “feelings”/“emotional” side of things would be helpful in really coming to know God. I’m not looking for the consolation instead of God, but just to know God is really there. My brain knows it, but it’s hard to be “all in” or on fire in my faith, especially when people around me couldn’t care less. There is a strong Catholic community here, but it seems like they’re all way ahead of me in terms of their spirituality! I know that that’s probably not true, but I feel stuck in the middle of the two groups.
 
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