Arguably one of the most pivotal developments in my Christian life was when, by the grace and intervention of the Holy Spirit, my soul was ignited for the real and personal presence of God in my life. When He encountered me in prayer and worship, He kindled a faith that unveiled His tangible presence. Through His divine intervention, my Christianity transformed from a merely theoretical reality into a vibrant, personal relationship with the living God. This awakening unveiled a truth that continues to leave me in awe: the God of all creation loves me, knows me, and desires me.

What a mind-boggling reality! The Creator of the universe, infinite in majesty, seeks intimacy with us. As St. Augustine so beautifully confessed, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” Our entire lives are an arena for this one purpose: to know God, to dwell in His presence, and to grow in love with Him. Nothing is more precious than those moments of intimacy and encounter with the Lord, where the soul meets the Divine in a silent whisper or a surge of worshipful joy.

The Catholic Church offers profound aids for this sacred pursuit. The sacraments are not mere rituals but divine encounters that draw us into God’s heart. In the Eucharist, we receive Christ Himself, His real presence nourishing our souls. In Reconciliation, we experience His merciful embrace, restoring our communion with Him. These sacraments, along with other spiritual practices are tools that open our hearts to God’s transformative grace. St. Teresa of Ávila described prayer as “a close sharing between friends,” a space where we linger with the One who loves us. Through these practices, we cultivate a contemplative awareness of God’s nearness.

Yet, God’s desire for relationship extends beyond these sacred moments. He longs to be tangibly involved in the entirety of our lives—our daily routines, our joys, and our struggles. Every moment, from the mundane to the profound, is an opportunity for God to show His goodness and deepen our walk with Him. Whether we’re working, laughing with loved ones, or facing trials, God is present, inviting us to turn our hearts toward Him. As St. Thérèse of Lisieux taught, even the smallest acts, done with love, become pathways to divine intimacy. Our lives become a continuous conversation with God, a dance of trust and surrender.

This truth inspires awe: God is not distant but intimately engaged, weaving His love through every detail of our existence. The Charismatic Renewal awakened me to the Spirit’s vibrant presence, but the Church’s wisdom grounds this in the fullness of faith. Our call is to live with open hearts, seeking God in the sacraments, in prayer, and in the ordinary moments of life. Let us marvel at His love and pursue Him with all we are, for in knowing God, we find the purpose and joy for which we were made.