There are moments in our lives when we get a glimmer of God’s inner workings. There are times and places that offer us a glimpse of the basic teachings of Jesus Christ coming to life before our eyes. In those moments, in those places, we become aware of the sanctity and the utter preciousness of human life. It is like the world has been exposed for all of its untruths by the purity of innocence and Truth. Vanspec has been that place for me.

Vanspec is where Children of God of all ages come for their very special one-on-one spiritual learning. I have observed that there is an amazing level of diversity among the students who come to Vanspec.  They are as different from one another as possible. There is no attempt at some fake conformity; there is only the struggle to understand and to accept the joy that God wants for them.

Once, after Mass, a young man was so filled with joy that he could not contain himself. He was literally shaking with joy and all he could do was fall into my arms and hold me tight for a minute. It was the love of God speaking directly to me through this young man. Pure love. Pure joy. In Jesus’ discourse at the Last Supper, He explains a lot of things to his disciples, saying, among other things, “Love one another as I have loved you.”  And the reason he tells them all of these things is “…so that my joy may be in you and your joy will be complete.” (John 16: 11)

This is what he wants for all of us, that our joy will be complete. This is the spiritually rich environment that Vanspec provides for those who need its one-on-one catechetical services. It is rich in love and it is rich in joy.

May God bless you and keep you.

 

In the Peace of Christ,

Father Larry Lynn

Chaplain, Vanspec