Reflections aim to explain Catholic faith

THE WHISPERING CALL FROM WITHIN: Reflections on the Riches of the Catholic Tradition of Prayer, by Patrick Quinton Gonsalves. Melrose Books, England. 2009. 107pp

Reviewed by Michail Rassool

The Whispering Call Within is a collection of essays by Patrick Quinton Gonsalves, parishioner of a Robertsham in the Johannesburg archdiocese. The author writes that this collection of short reflections arose from his need to articulate a passionate interest in the riches of Catholic tradition, especially prayer, mystical and otherwise, and Catholic teaching.

As in his first book, Penny Thoughts, many of them arise from an e-mail dialogue which took place over a long period between him and a brother, who has since left the Church. For the author, writing  is a more natural response to the need to put the Catholic Church’s traditions in perspective, especially for non-Catholics.

Gonsalves’ straightforward reflections get to the heart of the matter and succeed in making the significant linkages that are necessary in locating his Catholic faith within wider Christianity.

They are also biblical. For example, one figure who has captured his imagination is Nathanael from John’s gospel, one of many bystanders in the narrative of Jesus’ earthly ministry, yet one who recognises him as the Messiah.

The writer goes beyond the limits of the Gospel narrative to reflect on the character himself, wondering about Nathanael’s internal disposition, identifying it as a prayerful one which would lead to a leap of faith in Christ for who he is. This, Gonsalves writes, could not but be from the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

To non-Catholics who suggest that praying to Mary means that, for Catholics, there is no longer any need for God, Gonsalves explains the nature of the mother of Jesus’ special call, and the “awesome responsibility” of bringing forth God’s Son who would bring salvation to all humankind.

He also writes of the meaning of God’s call from within and the use of different imageries for it, from Old and New Testament traditions as well as from Catholic mystical writers over the ages, whether it is God referring to himself as a soft breeze (1Kings 19:12), leaven in the dough (Mt 13:33) or “The Cloud of Unknowing”.

Addressing mainly Bible-centred Protestants, he explains the centrality of sacramental liturgy to Christian worship, locating its position within biblical tradition. He also explains the Catechism of the Catholic Church and how its core teachings aim to bring people to a “full knowledge of the truth” (1Tim 2:4), stressing prayer, reading and interpreting scripture and living a virtuous life. Gonsalves also reflects on the role of Satan, and hazards an explanation or two for why there is still so much evil in the world despite there being a benevolent God.

The writer gives lucid, personal reflections on a host of other topics, including atheism, consciously nurturing one’s conscience, what total abandonment to God’s will means, true reconciliation and the meaning of the Cross.

At the heart of his text, throughout, is the centrality of divine revelation and the sacraments (especially the Eucharist), peppered as it is here and there with explanatory anecdotes, illustrating his message in a way that may resonate with the ordinary reader.

This book is an easy read, with a lively, uncluttered, communicative style. It is just the right companion for ordinary Catholics, providing well thought out insights into the fundamentals of their faith. It will also appeal to those outside the Church seeking answers to questions they may have about Catholicism.