An Empty Space

A Reflection by Kevin O'Brien, SJ

St. Ignatius believed that our deepest desires are God-given. To long for intimacy with God or others, or to thirst for wisdom, justice, or peace is to encounter God in a very real, utterly human way.

It’s good to pray with these desires, but it’s not always easy to pray this way. As we get in touch with our deepest desires, we realize they’re unfulfilled. We feel empty. But in the emptiness is an invitation.

St. Augustine intuited that God leaves desires unfulfilled for a time so that our longing stretches the capacity of our soul to receive more than we can imagine now. So let’s not rush too quickly from this spot, but enjoy the expectation of the unimaginable fulfillment of our longings that God desires for us.


Kevin O'Brien, SJ

Kevin O'Brien, SJ

Kevin O'Brien, SJ, is a former lawyer who became a Jesuit nearly 25 years ago. He regularly conducts spiritual retreats for the young and old alike. An experienced high school teacher and college professor, he is the author of The Ignatian Adventure.

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