Experiential Faith (Taste, See, Hear and Touch)
“Jesus said to them, ‘Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you’” (John 6:53).
Event Extravaganza
The smell of garlic, lemongrass, and basil filled the room. A light shade of purple draped across the stage, where fresh-cut bouquets of geranium lake flowers stood in large vases. Sounds of smooth jazz playing in the background complemented the laughs of friends reuniting, and new acquaintances shook each other’s hands.
This evening was the pinnacle of months of planning and coordinating coming to life—a work event that was intended to bring students and professionals together for an enjoyable evening of networking and education.
Mission accomplished!
I have always believed that the best way to experience an event is to immerse yourself in all the senses. This way, it becomes memorable. I believe the Lord is calling me to do the same with my faith. As the psalmist wrote, “Taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:9).
Go Out 7x
I have told supervisors throughout my career, and subsequently advised my staff, that the best way to understand our industry is to go out and “touch and feel.”
I go out into the field. I visit clients on site. I’ve traveled to manufacturing plants, taken production site tours, and met customers in person.
The communications “rule of 7” says that in order for people to understand you, you must share your message seven times in seven different ways. And, if you want something to stick, appeal to the senses.
Experience the Everyday
Experiential learning, or “learning by doing,” is a familiar concept. What about experiential faith? How can I live out a sensory experience of my faith? I’ve learned that spending time in adoration is “seeing” God, my creator. I can also see my faith come alive through the various Catholic art and figurines I have displayed in my office and home. Going to Mass is a special invitation to taste by receiving the Eucharist. Listening to the Hail Mary Media, Amen, and Hallow apps allow me to hear the voice of God, in addition to reading Scripture.
Praying with rosary beads and tugging on my miraculous medal reminds me that Mother Mary is with me, as if I touch her hands. Hugs are a gift from Heaven—and smiles, too, touch the soul.
To ignite my faith’s sense of smell, I light a candle, inhaling and feeling the spirit guide me in prayer. The other day, during Mass, where our parish uses incense, I excitedly realized it was as if Jesus himself walked by as the lingering scent moved along with the altar servers.
The best “event” of a lifetime is simply experiencing my faith every day.
Lilia Grundy is University of Portland’s Pamplin School of Business’ Director of Corporate Partnerships with over 20 years of corporate experience (including Kraft Foods, NBC Television, and Telemundo). Lilia launched Catholic Women Professionals to inspire other working women to grow their faith. She is married to her high school sweetie Rob - they have beautiful twin girls who love art, music and learning about the Saints. Connect with Lilia at LinkedIn • Instagram • Website