“Man is most often correct in what he affirms, and incorrect in what he denies.” This was a key phrase from the first night of the Parish Mission with Father Dwight Longenecker. It was this phrase that set the foundation for the rest of the evenings sessions discussing how some philosophies with a very limited view can slowly crumble our culture and Faith. It was a great presentation and I am so glad I got to be a part of it. However, this key phrase from the first night also gave me another personal insight; one about truth, faith, and how much do I really want heaven?!

The idea behind Father Longenecker’s phrase is being open minded, and believing that if you truly are seeking the absolute truth in all things in your life, that you are not closed to finding that truth in unexpected places, after all God sometimes shows up in the most unexpected places.

For Father Longenecker, this open minded attitude meant that when it was suggested to him, prior to his conversion, that he might enjoy time at a Monastery, he said yes, and was open to the idea that maybe God could be found in such a place. It meant seeking answers, with an intent to truly understand, topics he struggled with personally. Topics such as the Immaculate Conception. In all these cases and others, Father Longenecker needed to be open minded to finding God in unexpected places and in unexpected ways so that he could have a greater understanding, and love for God, and greater success in his journey to heaven to be with God.

Father Longenecker’s short little phrase resonated with me as well. I am blessed that I do already know God, but this phrase calls me to go deeper into my understanding of him. It calls me to know that when I hear a teaching come from the Bishops or the Pope, when it does not make sense, or when it seems that I don’t feel that could be quite right, that is when I need to do a deeper dive into what is being taught. I need to be open to finding more about God in unexpected places, and to being surprised by him. I need to not assume that I already know God well enough and that I couldn’t possibly learn more about him. That is a dangerous trap to fall into, and one that actually leads away from my goal of heaven.

I don’t know if this idea resonates with anyone else, but I know for me I can walk away from the parish mission with a greater sense of humility, a more open mind, and renewed fervor to truly work towards that goal of being in heaven with God one day.