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I was saddened to learn of Fr. James Wheeler’s death recently. He gave so much to many of us during the most productive years of the Charismatic Renewal – in the 1970’s – 19080’s – that I wish there was some way in which we ho benefited from his charity, his talent and his closeness to the Holy Spirit could express our gratitude.
It is hard to calculate how much we grew spiritually from his teaching and leadership. And knowing that the Spirit is never lost, it is impossible to gauge how far his spirituality reached even as the power of the renewal seemed to dissipate in later years. It is not for us to be able to judge how far the effect of his spiritual gifts and dedicated efforts traveled even after his life took some different turns and we lost track of where he was and what he was doing.
Personally he opened spiritual doors for me for which I will be eternally grateful. And he frequently facilitated inner healings in areas which had been closed. Often the paths he opened for me led to unexpected surprises and made the leadings of the Holy Spirit welcome and understandable. He had a gift for making me realize the inner life he taught about would take its place as the most important factor of my life.
My prayers will always include prayers for him and for those who supported his leadership, particularly St. Joseph’s Prayer Center. His soul will be prayed for by the children of St. Ann’s Indian Mission in North Dakota.
Gratitude for his life will always be in my heart.