Recently I became aware of Carl Jung’s concept of synchronicity. This is the unexpected occurrence of two things happening together. I recall a few times when I experienced such a surprising event. When I entered the convent, I was assigned a four-digit “religious number,” which served to identify my articles of clothing and me. The first summer that I was admitted to the dormitory at the University of Minnesota, I was given my room’s phone number. It was my religious number!
Another time, I was at the top of the Washington Monument and a woman approached. She asked, “Are you Kathy Glavich from Cleveland?” It was a friend whom I hadn’t seen since the sixth grade when we were classmates at Hodge School. Since then we’ve kept in touch.
A striking instance of synchronicity occurred to another Sister. She was asked to do a reading at the funeral Mass of her friend’s father. Although Sister agreed to do it, being quite an introvert and knowing that the situation would be very emotional, Sister dreaded going before everyone to read. As she drove to the church that morning, directly in front of her was a car with the license plate “4LOUISE.” Louise was the name of her friend’s mother!
Often we witness a coincidence and remark, “What are the chances of that happening?” Such surprising events are sometimes called “God’s courtesies,” little signs that God is with us and in control of the world. They are evidence that the universe is more mysterious than we imagine.
When has synchronicity occurred in your life?
5 Responses
Kathleen,
This is a great book. I recognize so much of our shared tradition in it. Just the other day I was teaching a course on the creed to a group of catechists. I mentioned that they should talk to God about their students twice as much as they talk to their students about God. One of the catechists said, “I can do that.”
I will recommend Totally Catholic for our catechists!
Suzanne Nelson
Thanks, Suzanne! I’m surprised and pleased that although I wrote this book for children, it is being used for adults. I think it’s the simple presentation of doctrine that appeals to them.
Congratulations, Sr. Kathleen. Will include Peter’s spouse in my summer reading! Thanks for sharing your creative imagination!
Sr. Kathleen,
Thank you for this wonderful post! God speaks in so many different ways and we must always look to His direction and pay attention to our surroundings. When we are faithful, He always provides answers to the deepest concerns of our heart and soul. What an amazing God we serve!
I downloaded your book from Amazon.com and must say that although I’m on Chapter 13, I love it! You have the heart of a teacher and this is clearly apparent in your writing. It takes a special anointing to bring the scriptures to life as you did through your book. I pray for many blessings for you and that your book will touch millions of lives and bring people closer to God. May God richly bless you!
Thank you, Alice, for your kind words and for your prayers. You make me glad that I wrote this novel!