Have you ever had your DNA tested to determine your ancestral origins? I have, and it is fascinating. It doesn’t change a thing about us to know this information, but somehow it lends a sense of rootedness in human history and gives our longing for heaven a new facet.
Much like when I had my DNA done, and I was surprised at the unknown, huge amount of German ancestry I have, “Dominican” was a sleeper in my spiritual life—until I was drawn to the order about seven years ago. Now it has become the most important part of my spirituality, the dominant part, as I have made my lifetime profession as a member of the Dominican Laity.
Still, Dominican is not the only influence. There are others including Ignatian, Franciscan, plus private devotions to the Sacred Heart, to the Holy Souls in Purgatory, to Divine Mercy, etc. These all have important roles in making up my spiritual life, and in making me—me—as God created me to be.
If you have had your DNA done, you know the testing company occasionally gives “updates.” In these updates, more data (more members’ DNA) is available, changing somewhat the percentages of your origins. Sometimes my French portion is as low as 4%; sometimes it’s as high as 25%.
In a way, this mirrors my spirituality. Sometimes, as in the month of November, my love and prayer for the Holy Souls surges from around 8% of my spirituality and prayer life to around 25%. At other times, for example, during June, the month of the Sacred Heart, my devotion to the Holy Souls lessens, while never entirely going away.
Every so often there is a surprise in a DNA update that has never been there before. Excitedly, I exclaim, “Portugal! Where did that come from?!” Likewise, a new-to-me spirituality might lead me deeper into the Heart of Jesus by the witness, writings, or mystical life of a saint, such as the life and works of Saint Faustina.
Twenty-five years ago, I spent copious amounts of time with her diary, Divine Mercy in My Soul. Since then, devotion to the Divine Mercy has become a permanent part of who I am. I read small excerpts of her words and Jesus’ words to her almost every day. I pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy at least once each day. But the “percentage” of my spirituality has changed, and other spiritualities are at the forefront now.
Being a Lay Dominican is by far the largest portion and foundation of my spiritual DNA. The only thing more foundational is my belief in Jesus Christ as my Lord, Savior, and Redeemer and the Catholic Church as the bedrock and eternal home of my faith.
When asked about my ancestral heritage, I often reply, “I am an American mutt.” While this response is meant to be humorous, it is also fairly accurate. I am predominantly German with several other ancestral regions mixed in. If you look at me, you might think to yourself, “Yup, German-American, but with other ancestral origins too.” Likewise, if you got to know my spirituality, you might discern, “Yup, Dominican, but there are other influences too.”
The four pillars of Dominican life (Prayer, Study, Community, and Apostolate) are each apparent in my life, and suit me “to a T,” as God intended. Yet, with all of my Dominican brothers and sisters, there is the widest of varieties of Catholic influences in our spiritualities, making for a lively and truly catholic community life.
This “Catholic DNA” is one great gift of the Church that doesn’t show up in the Creed: a veritable garden of faithful choices. This garden offers varieties to help every single Catholic live a joyful spiritual life.
Pick your own bouquet according to who God has made you to be. Some flowers you may end up drying and putting on a shelf only to gaze at occasionally. Others will become the basis for your spiritual arrangement. Having discovered your perfect spiritual varieties, your “Catholic DNA origins,” you will happily refresh them at every opportunity, continually heading to that spot in the garden.
The Catholic faith has every variety for every person. Endless combinations are possible, just like our DNA. Who are you? Who has God made you to be? What is your “Catholic DNA”? Have you explored?
God’s garden awaits!
Dear Lord, you have written your beautiful, intricate plans for knowing each of us into our very souls. Help us uncover our “Catholic DNA.” Help us to explore the Church’s Garden and create a bouquet of prayer and spirituality that echoes the gifts, talents, and character you gave us.
We thank you for the Church and her breadth, depth, and height. We will endeavor to follow the narrow but bountiful path all the way home to you forever, where our Catholic and physical DNA will yield to the eternal gift of our glorified existence in You.
Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash
