Fr Trevor Nathasingh delivered a series of lectures July 12–14 at St Antoninus Church in New Jersey, USA during a Divine Adoration Prayer Conference titled ‘The Ultimate Sacrifice.’ He spoke passionately about surrendering to God’s will and trusting His guidance in life.
“As we gather here today,” Fr Nathasingh began, “let us reflect on the profound journey of faith that leads us into the heart of our Creator. It’s not just about attending services or rituals; it’s about cultivating a deep, personal relationship with God.”
He recounted his own journey of faith, admitting, “There was a time when I resisted God’s call in my life, pursuing my own ambitions. But through surrender and obedience, I discovered the richness of living in communion with God.”
Drawing from Psalm 91, Fr Nathasingh emphasised the concept of dwelling in the shelter of the Most High. “To dwell in God’s presence,” he explained, “is to find refuge, strength, and deep intimacy. It requires us to surrender our fears and uncertainties, trusting that God’s plan for us is greater than our own.”
Fr Nathasingh then delved into the scriptures, illustrating how figures like Job persevered through trials by maintaining steadfast faith in God’s sovereignty. “Living in the heart of God isn’t about avoiding challenges but allowing those challenges to deepen our trust and reliance on Him.”
He spoke of bearing spiritual fruit as evidence of genuine faith, referencing Galatians 5:22–23. “These fruits—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—are the natural outpouring of a heart surrendered to God.”
As a priest for 35 years Fr Nathasingh said he encourages parents seeking to baptise their babies to demonstrate their commitment to the faith, and attend Mass regularly for at least six or seven weekends, before the Baptism process begins. “This ensures they understand and practise their faith.” He said it is the responsibility of parents to nurture their children’s faith. “Bearing fruit is not optional; it is a necessity,” he asserted.
“Jesus said, ‘A new commandment I give to you: love one another’,” he continued, emphasising that every baptised member of the Body of Christ must bear the fruit of love. “It may not be easy to love some people,” he acknowledged, “but we are called to demonstrate love.”
He lamented the prevalence of a world where “people strive to bear all kinds of fruit except love, yet without love, there is no joy, peace, or patience; everything flows from love when we remain attached to the vine. That’s where we draw the capacity of life in the spirit to bear the fruit we are called to bear.”
He invited the congregation to reflect on their journeys of faith. “Living in the heart of God,” he concluded, “requires daily surrender, aligning our will with His and trusting in His goodness and guidance.”
—Rosemarie Sant, CN contributor