What to tell this friend? Channeling emotions and prayer?

[searcherdude]

Recently a person confided in me that believe they are a channel of emotional energy to God for others. I am uncomfortable that they chose to share this with me, but I guess I want to help if I can. My question is is this possible and what should I tell this person?

To clarify, they are a practicing Catholic but say that they are aware of “energy centers” in their body and that these “centers” will react in response to the emotions of the people around them. For example, if the person they are around is sad they will feel the sadness as their own long after that person has left. They say this has happened for as long as they can remember and they experienced a lot of depression and confusion as a result. They just learned that the “energy” will build up and change their personality unless they pray to God for the person. Then God takes it from them. They say it leaves their body through these “energy centers” and they can feel it happen. They also say that sometimes they “receive messages” that feel like their own thoughts but repeat and it seem as though they are directed toward certain people. When they tell the people the “message” it is usually a very clarifying and uplifting experience for the recipient.

This person says they have tried many times to get help from priests and others in the Catholic community but no one wants to discuss it with them. They are often told it is in their head, or about the dangers of seeing oneself as “special” and to ignore it. However, until I heard about this my view of this person was that they were exceptionally loving and also remarkably humble, so now I don’t know what to think.

They say that in an attempt to figure out the issue they have had to delve into what I would consider questionable new age concepts like chakras. They say this information improved the situation, but didn’t go into many details.

Frankly, I had hoped to start a romantic relationship with this individual and am now questioning that idea. They say it is an experience centered around God and they are not seeking it out or practicing hidden knowledge, but isn’t reading about chakras seeking out hidden knowledge even if it seems to be “helpful?”

Beyond finding a holy and knowledgeable priest to talk to, what do I tell this person? And in regards to a relationship, do you think it would be wise to abandon that notion?

Thank you for your time.

 

[Tis_Bearself]

Frankly, I had hoped to start a romantic relationship with this individual and am now questioning that idea.

I think you are right to want to avoid getting romantically involved with this person.

They may very well be super-empathetic and have a strong emotional response to seeing other people who are sad, etc. I think we have had past threads on the forum from people who were empaths in this way.

However, if this was having the kind of psychological effect on me they say they’re having (depression, confusion etc), I would go to a mental health professional. You can’t expect a priest to assist you with your psychological problems. Some of the things described by this person could be symptoms of genuine mental health conditions that could be treated.

The person then made it worse by seeking out new age explanations for something that may be either a mental health condition, or a God-given charism.

They sound confused. Tell them to please see a doctor and then remain friendly at a distance.

 

[1Lord1Faith]

The way you describe this person it doesn’t seem like they have a major mental health issue, which is what it would be if it was one.

I would tell her to get a priest as a spiritual director. There have been Catholic mystics recognized by the Church who’ve had spiritual direction from priests. So it’s not like this sort of thing is fiction. I’m sure there are many more people with spiritual gifts who go undirected and unnoticed.

The fact that she can handle this better with the help of prayer is good.

 

[searcherdude]

I think you are right to want to avoid getting romantically involved with this person.

They may very well be super-empathetic and have a strong emotional response to seeing other people who are sad, etc. I think we have had past threads on the forum from people who were empaths in this way.

However, if this was having the kind of psychological effect on me they say they’re having (depression, confusion etc), I would go to a mental health professional. You can’t expect a priest to assist you with your psychological problems. Some of the things described by this person could be symptoms of genuine mental health conditions that could be treated.

The person then made it worse by seeking out new age explanations for something that may be either a mental health condition, or a God-given charism.

They sound confused. Tell them to please see a doctor and then remain friendly at a distance.

(Sorry, I am learning. I wanted to quote you hence the double post.)

I fear that you are correct about a romantic involvement. It is too bad, because this person is a radiant beautiful individual. They do consistently visit a therapist in connection to this issue because of the depressive issues it has caused in the past, however they said when they learned to “process” the “energy” through prayer all of the psychological stresses they had experienced in the past lifted. It seems the therapist believes this is a legitimate phenomenon and doesn’t believe they need any sort of prescriptions to deal with it. As long as the energy is “cleared” through daily prayer everything is hunky dory. They say it’s like intercessory prayer and they can feel God take the burden from them.

They also told me this happens from vast distances. They don’t have to be anywhere near the person they are “picking things up from.”

I am quite confused. I do feel a strong pull to be with this person and it seems a shame to miss out on a relationship because I don’t understand something, but if it was legitimate wouldn’t a priest be willing to discuss it? I’ve prayed about it extensively but have not yet reached a point of clarity.

 

[Tis_Bearself]

Well, if prayer fixes it, just make sure it’s Catholic prayer and not new age or pagan or whatever prayer, and all should be well.

It’s good that your friend is seeing a therapist also.

Now, in terms of speaking to a priest, has she sought out any priests involved with Catholic Charismatic Renewal? They would be the best ones to approach. The average parish priest is likely to be dismissive. Charismatic priests may be more understanding and helpful.

 

[searcherdude]

Now, in terms of speaking to a priest, has she sought out any priests involved with Catholic Charismatic Renewal? They would be the best ones to approach. The average parish priest is likely to be dismissive. Charismatic priests may be more understanding and helpful.

This is good advice. I don’t know if there are any Charismatic groups in our area. Perhaps I will bring this up with her. Thank you.

 

[searcherdude]

That’s probably why she shared this intimate information with you. You might suggest that she might find a community in the Catholic charasmatic fellowship. But I would believe this has been suggested this person in the past. As her spiritual experiences are not typical for a Catholic.

You are probably correct about why she shared the information. It’s very new territory for me and frankly I didn’t know what to think. I am feeling somewhat better about the situation now. I will ask her about this. Thanks.

 

[JanR]

If it’s a God-given charism, we shouldn’t try to discourage it. What would be needed in that case is clearer direction, and I’m surprised that no priest they’ve consulted has considered this.