A Guide

We cannot underestimate the importance of a guide in the spiritual life. We aren't meant to go through life by ourselves. Guides, or people that accompany us along the way, serve not to tell us what to do, but to propel us forward and keep us from turning back. Sometimes also, unbeknownst to us, we are helping our guides along the way as well.

I love this stanza from St John of the Cross' "The Dark Night." He says, "on that glad night, in secret, for no one saw me, nor did I look at anything, with no other light or guide than the one that burned in my heart."

Even more than the people God puts in our path, our guide comes from within as well, by the inspirations of the Holy Spirit (dwelling in our souls through sanctifying grace). The Holy Spirit guides us through lights that He gives us in prayer. He is the ultimate guide, directing both us and those He puts in our path.

It's impossible to see clearly when we are in that dark night without a light. We can't be afraid to lean on the lights in our lives, especially those in the priesthood who have the grace of state. Pray for those who guide others on the path to holiness, and we should always express our gratitude to God for His providential care through the presence of our guides.