Where is God? Four year old Kyle told a priest once that he knows where God is. He said, “My Dad was outside of the bathroom room this morning, pounding on it and shouting, ‘My God, are you still in there?’”
Where is God? How do we find God? In the Gospel, the people can’t see the presence of
God in Jesus. He returns home and is immediately surrounded by a crowd. His relatives thinks he is out of his mind. The scribes go even further, accusing him of being possessed by a devil, Beelzebul. Who here hasn’t been accused of something you didn’t do or say? It’s often tough to endure such things. Most of us get all upset over this.
But notice that Jesus responds with calm and clarity. He is the presence of God, but they can’t see it. All the characters in the gospel miss the presence of God, right there in front of him. We do the same things, OFTEN.
Spiritual writer Paula D’Arcy wrote in her book interweaving the Gospel with Modern Challenges on how to miss the presence of God. That is, how to not recognize God. Open your bulletins to read her list.
1) LIVE your life at high speed. No exceptions. Run hard.
Jesus often withdrew to pray, emphasizing the need for reflection and connection with God. We can’t do everything. Give yourself a break and slow down. That is, live intentionally, not just at high speed.
2) STAY scattered and distracted. The more clutter and activity, the better.
Jesus’ focus was always clear – doing God’s will. How about this, take a break from your phone. Just because you get a message, doesn’t mean you need to answer it immediately.
3) TAKE everything personally. Never evaluate.
Jesus taught us to turn the other cheek and to forgive. Instead of getting upset with that comment or action . . . become curious, not furious.
4) USE blame liberally. It’s so invigorating. Don’t take responsibility. Assume it’s somebody’s fault.
Jesus accepted responsibility for our sins on the cross. Blame creates division. Taking responsibility fosters unity and growth. You don’t have to be perfect, no one is. Own your mistakes
5) DON’T laugh, especially at yourself.
Humility and joy are crucial. I imagine that Jesus laughed often and is probably still laughing at us. Learn to laugh at yourself. For example a week ago, when we had that Eucharist Procession through our Diocese, I (as the good pastor) signed up to hear Reconciliation in Gilman, MN (north of Foley). I signed up for the 4-6:00 time slot. It wasn’t’ until the day before when that pastor called to remind me that I signed up for 4am time slot. What the ….? I showed up.
6) STAY tied to your past. Elevate it to greatness. Live remembering it and longing for it.
Jesus offers us a new beginning. Paul reminds us "if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” Embrace the present and future in Christ. If you only look for God in things of your past, you will miss all that God is planning for you in the future.
7) USE the word because. It is so little appreciated as a solvent for responsibility. Try using it often. E.g.“I can’t change because. . . ”
Jesus empowers us to change and grow. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13). How often do you NOT take responsibility . . . and have a million excuses?
8) NEVER question or think for yourself.
Jesus encouraged his disciples to ask, seek, and knock. God wants a dynamic relationship with you, but it will probably be unique (unlike anyone else’s). Are you prepared to be surprised by God?
9) CONTINUE to think of God as invisible and distant.
At Christmas time we celebrate Jesus is Emmanuel (that means God with us.) Jesus is not “out there somewhere.” Think of God the Father FOR YOU. God the Jesus WITH YOU. God the Holy Spirit IN YOU.
10) REINFORCE the belief that your life is going to happen soon. Don’t live in the present moment.
Jesus says, "I came that they may have life and have it abundantly" (John 10:10). Our life in Christ is now, not just in the future. God has great things in store for you right now, not just in the future. Accept that reality.
Those are goofy ways to “miss the presence of God.” But you don’t have to be that way. Jesus states that doing God’s will is what’s important. How do you know what God’s will is? Spiritual writer, Fr Thomas Merton says that just striving to do God’s will is all you need. So with “that thing” you are faced with, try this . . . instead of telling God what you want God to do, ask God, “What do you want of me?” How do you want me to be? What is your will for me? Thy will be done.”