Expert: Fr. Timothy Johnson - 3/3/2011

Question
I have a friend who has concerns about dreams that recently have been coming true.  They aren't anything dramatic or large-scale, but are worrying her nonetheless.  Examples are meeting people she recognized from a dream she had a couple of years prior, knowing stories that are being told before the person has finished them because she dreamed about it, and other such random situations.  The most telling for me, and what brings me to writing here, is a dream she had last fall where a group of us who work together were traveling, but for some reason I wasn't there.  We agreed this was odd, because there would be no reason for me to be missing.  However, earlier this year I was forced home on medical leave, and within my first week off she texted me telling me that dream had come to pass, down to the detail of who was sitting where in the vehicle and what they were discussing.

I can vouch for this girl's credibility: she isn't the kind of person who would be making things like this up, plus her fear and worry about the situation is genuine.  She is concerned as to the source of these dreams (from God for whatever reason or a spiritual attack), and doesn't know what to do with them.  We don't know if it is some kind of spiritual gift, or something else all together.  Any insight or direction you could provide at to how she should approach this would be greatly appreciated.

Answer
Hi, and thanks for the question:

It is amazing how these sorts of things happen in people's lives, and seem not to be as uncommon as we might think.  Taking the role of passive observer of this phenomenon is probably the safest stance.  There is no denying that there is something to the matter; but placing too much stock in or undue attention and focus upon it is probably not a good thing.
You did not give me much to go on in terms of this young lady's spiritual and religious status; but it is safe to say that this thing can only be good or neutral inasmuch as it does not interfere with authentic and true devotion and spiritual life in God.  As long as she is connected to God, especially as a Catholic living a sacramental life and practicing the Faith, this is the important thing.  Even if this is some sort of "gift" we may not see immediately the purpose or good for which it may be given.  Stay rooted in the teachings of Christ and the practice of true and authentic religion.  God bless you.

Fr. Timothy Johnson