Sep. 21, 2025 - Conjunctive

As we journey through life, our faith often evolves alongside our personal growth. Just as we develop physically and mentally from infancy to adulthood, our spiritual lives can progress through various stages. Today, let's explore a fascinating stage of faith development known as the "conjunctive stage" and how it relates to our overall spiritual well-being.

The question "How are things with your soul?" is more than just a casual inquiry. It's an invitation to introspection, to examine the core of our being and our relationship with the divine. When we ask this of ourselves and others, we're not just following a tradition; we're living out the greatest commandment - to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbors as ourselves.

This soul-searching question aligns beautifully with the stages of faith we all experience. Unlike our physical growth, which happens inevitably with time, our spiritual growth is a choice. We can progress, stagnate, or even regress in our faith journey. That's why it's crucial to regularly check in with our souls and actively work on our spiritual development.

The conjunctive stage of faith is particularly intriguing. It often corresponds with midlife, typically in one's 40s and 50s. This stage is characterized by reflection, paradoxes, and a multidimensional view of faith. People in this stage have accumulated a wealth of life experiences - successes, failures, joys, and sorrows. They've weathered the storms of adolescence, navigated early adulthood, and perhaps raised children of their own.

At this juncture, individuals often find themselves looking back, analyzing their lives, and contemplating their beliefs. It's a time of reckoning with both the good and the bad, the triumphs and the mistakes. This reflection can lead to a pivotal moment where one can form a new identity or mindset that may carry them through the rest of their lives.

One of the hallmarks of the conjunctive stage is the ability to embrace paradoxes. Life doesn't always make sense, and that's okay. We begin to understand that sometimes working longer results in getting less done, that failure is often necessary for ultimate success, and that even good people can make bad decisions. These seeming contradictions no longer threaten our faith but become part of its rich tapestry.

In this stage, faith becomes multidimensional. We recognize and appreciate the diverse ways people express their spirituality. Whether it's through traditional hymns or contemporary worship, quiet meditation or exuberant praise, serving others or personal devotion - all are valid expressions of faith. This openness allows for a richer, more inclusive spiritual community.

The conjunctive stage also brings a newfound ability to embrace the mysteries of faith. We become comfortable with not having all the answers. We learn to "let go and let God," finding joy, freedom, and peace in surrendering control. This doesn't mean abandoning reason or discernment, but rather acknowledging that God's ways are often beyond our full comprehension.

To illustrate this stage of faith, we can look to the biblical story of Abraham and Sarah. Despite their advanced age - Sarah was 90 years old! - they experienced the miraculous birth of their son, Isaac. This event defied all logical expectations and medical possibilities. Yet, in their conjunctive faith, Abraham and Sarah embraced both the reality of their age and the promise of God.

The birth of Isaac (whose name means "he laughs") was indeed a laughable situation by human standards. But it beautifully demonstrates how faith can transcend our limited understanding. Abraham's actions following Isaac's birth further illustrate this mature faith. He circumcised Isaac on the eighth day, gave him a name (signifying his belief in the child's future), and held a great celebration when Isaac was weaned. These acts showed Abraham's trust in God's promise, even when circumstances seemed impossible.

This story challenges us to consider: Where are we in our faith journey? Are we stuck in earlier stages, afraid of anything different or challenging to our beliefs? Or are we growing toward a more mature, multidimensional faith that can embrace paradoxes and mysteries?

One particularly challenging paradox for many believers is the idea that "the church exists solely for those not already in church." This concept often conflicts with our desire for comfort and familiarity in our spiritual communities. Yet, embracing this paradox can lead to vibrant, multi-generational faith communities that truly reflect God's diverse kingdom.

As we reflect on these ideas, let's remember that spiritual growth, like physical growth, can be uncomfortable and challenging. But it's worth it. A mature faith brings a depth of joy, peace, and purpose that can sustain us through life's ups and downs.

So, how are things with your soul? Are you growing, stagnating, or regressing in your faith? Are you open to embracing the paradoxes and mysteries of a mature spirituality? Can you appreciate the multidimensional nature of faith expressions?

Let's commit to continually asking ourselves these questions and actively pursuing growth in our spiritual lives. May we, like Abraham and Sarah, learn to laugh in the face of impossibilities, trusting in the mysterious and loving God who often works beyond our understanding.

As we journey through the stages of faith, may we find ourselves increasingly grounded in God's love, open to new expressions of spirituality, and at peace with the paradoxes of life. In doing so, we may just find that our souls are singing, even on the challenging days, as we grow ever closer to the heart of our Creator.