Bianca, a marketing team member for Oblate School of Theology (OST), was extremely helpful in getting me to the library where we would hold the interview. I asked her about her employment at OST, and she said she had been working there for about six months. She left a civilian job with the Air Force because, she said, “There is a Presence on this campus. It is such a serene and peaceful place to be.” I was struck by how her words matched my experience.

When I entered the library, the space had so much character. After the interview, Fr Ron told me, “This place has a little bit of character, don’t you think?” I said, “A little?” I proceeded to share with him about the Presence of the campus and how this library was filled with a rare, profound character that speaks volumes.

My reflection on this experience is simply this. I was privileged to walk this campus where people have gathered to worship and praise, pray, study, and follow Jesus in their own unique way and calling. It was founded in 1903, and the buildings reflect the heritage of their calling as a Catholic seminary to accomplish the God-given mission, “Inspired by the charism of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, Oblate School of Theology educates, forms, and renews men and women to ‘preach the Gospel to the most abandoned.’” That mission was coming through the whole place and space as I walked, talked, and interviewed Fr Ron.

Spaces and places matter because it is where God actively works in, through, and among us. Spaces matter because it is where memories are formed, love is shared, and tears are shed. The whole human experience is expressed in places and spaces where God is invited to dwell.

I left the Oblate School of Theology with profound gratitude for their places and spaces, which allowed me to encounter the Living God.

My questions for you this week:

Where are the places and spaces where you have encountered the Living God?

Offer a prayer of gratitude for spaces and places where you have been formed, influenced, and perhaps even transformed by the character of a building(s).