In my graduate studies there were a lot of classes that were very challenging for me, but each time I finished them I realized how necessary it was to know that perspective.
There were other classes that attracted me like a magnet, they interested me and intrigued me a lot.
In one of those classes that attracted me, there was one in particular that covered dream interpretation. I would never have imagined something like that, but it helped me a lot to know the context.
The professor reminded us that it is possible to find God in all things, and in our daily experiences. And that is where dreams are also included. The professor also clarified that there are many perspectives of dream interpretation, and that not all dreams are necessarily a revelation from God. However, he did remind us that God does reveal himself through dreams. Discerning when dreams may have a message from God for each one of us, requires an internal posture of curiosity, openness, prayer, and accompaniment from someone with that training.
When God reveals Himself to us in dreams, we often receive a message that we are not fully aware of, which is why it is a revelation. When we can truly receive “the message” (with discernment and accompaniment), there is a feeling of wonder, reverence, discovery.
Dreams, which God also uses to communicate with each one of us, come from the depths of our being.
There were two case studies that stuck with me the most. The first one was about a man, who had the same dream constantly. He dreamed that a lion was chasing him, and when the lion was about to catch him, the man woke up. It is not difficult to imagine the anguish he felt.
The second case study was about a woman, who also dreamed the same thing constantly. She dreamed that she was in the sky in free fall, without a parachute. She saw how the ground was approaching quickly. Moments before she fell to the ground, she would wake up fearing for her life, and relieved when she realized it was just a dream.
Have you ever had something that deeply intrigues you?
Both people were deeply intrigued by the fact that they had the same dream many times, and each one took it to their spiritual director.
And you, do you dare to share what is deep within you?
In the gospel it is described when Jesus tells some fishermen to go to the deep, and to lower their nets to catch some fish. Simon, one of those fishermen, answers Jesus that they have already worked all night, but that he will do it anyway.
In your case, what is that deep part of your being where there may be answers to your questions?
The man who dreamed that a lion was chasing him, discovered the answer in the depths of his dream, literally. In a similar way, the woman also discovered it.
The gospel account goes on to describe that the nets were bursting from so many fish. When the fishermen went deep, deep into the sea, they found what they were looking for, and in abundance.
Each of the dreamers discovered the meaning of their dream, and for them the message was abundant.
What does going to the deep mean to you? Would you like to go?
In the case of the dreamers, each one discovered what going to the deep was like for them. The man, in his dream, started talking to the lion.
-Stop! Why are you chasing me?
The lion answered him:
-Ah, you finally stopped!
-Why are you chasing me?
-All this time I have wanted to tell you something. What I have wanted to tell you all this time, is that you have the strength of a lion.
Wow.
And the woman, allowed herself to “hit the ground”, continuing her free fall.
What happened to her was just like a ball. She bounced. Realizing that this “fall” was not an end.
Wow.
Both dreamers discovered a message “out into the deep.”
If the Spirit leads you, share with Jesus the carpenter if you would like to go “out into the deep.” And perhaps, you will discover together what comes up for you.
Marisol
P.S. We can hear about going out into the deep in the readings of the Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time, year/cycle C.
