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More God
I'm thinking that David's temptation and Mary's distraction in relationship to Gods Presence is the same thing that afflicts us: we don't want God where God is available. Both Mary and David get sidetracked by details, protocol and procedures. In both instances God (through the prophet or the angel) is all about being present and received not about being "processed".
Are we not more interested in changing the procedures, details, and processes of a life with God then we are living with God as life is in God? We usually want changed circumstances and arrangements from God rather than more God in the circumstances that are. Isn't it hard for us to find God in the messy details of a suffering life?
When life challenges us do we pray for more God and more life as it is? Or do we pray for changed circumstances and details in life? Could we pray for more God instead of more health. Could we pray for more God than more safety? Could we pray for more God than less pain?
I think this turnaround might be at the bottom of our unsuccessful prayer life or spiritual life.
If we would begin praying and pleading for more God in every circumstance of our life then our prayers would be more miraculously answered. It seems God is always ready to give more of himself to us in our present circumstance. In fact, I believe that is God's identity and God's job description and God's mission. God is not able to overcome The painful circumstances of our own creation. God gave up that power when he created us in his image and likeness.
Then again, maybe it is precisely in having and knowing "more God" in a particular circumstance that is the path way through and out of difficulty. in fact, that may be the purpose and the mystery and the meaning of life with God. Remember, with God all things are possible.
4 comments:
What a perfect Advent reflection - that God is present in all things and in all ways. It can be difficult to remember when pain is great or loneliness is intense - and yet God is with us. Emmanuel! I especially like the Matador's line that "if we would begin praying and pleading for more God in every circumstance of our life then our prayers would be more miraculously answered." I think we see that example lived out at the end of this Gospel reading. For while Mary's initial reaction is doubt and skepticism, her final words show that her faith was strengthened.
" Anything is possible with God!'
Living life with God --their is no option of not having Him always in Life.
If you believe ...it is as you " breathe". A continuous surrender and acceptance of God's Will and the spiritual Love for God with every breath taken. Day in and day out--day in and day out--day in and day out --the Love for God ( and God's Love for us ) breathing...breaks the chains of distractions, and brings to mind the realization.
Much noise distractions in life takes away from the Gift of Life that God gave us. The " noise" of selfishness, unnecessary barriers , details, protocol and procedures (manmade social disfigurements or unjustifiable rules and laws ) goes against God ( or are not of God ) and our relationship with Him. What matters is is the " quietness" the stillness of the soul--nurtured by the Pure Love and Truth of God.
Even as simple as telling a lie goes against God and all that is Holy ( all of God's creation ) that's why it is so important to live in Truth.
The painful circumstances of our own creation ( by God )-- probably has to do with our continuous death since our birth, the decaying of our spiritul Life from distractions and our free will.
God personally 'breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul' (Genesis 2:7).
A circumstance in Life :
The Love of my Life--my soulmate-- my husband's passing from this Earth was and still is a painful experience. Do I blame God? No. Do I ask God why? No. The pain and grieving I see as a Blessing -- a product of the Love that I have for my husband. ( And being with him for 35 years is a Blessing.)
The washing and cleansing of tears will make me anew!
My husband peacefully accepted the knowing of his death. This was only possible because of his Love for God. He lived his Life as a Prayer -- and because of his Faith knew that he would have eternal Life. Death really does define Life and says what is truly important--our continuous relationship with God...and how we " act" on it and keeping God present in the process of living out Life. Just as Mary acted by responding "Yes".
Circumstances filled with God in Life like the beads on a rosary... a prayer, a prayer, a prayer etc..all becomes one prayer.
"If we would begin praying and pleading for more God in every circumstance of our life then our prayers would be more miraculously answered".
WOW. This is so powerful, so real. If we only could live by this as you say Father, I think we would see our spiritual lives grow in leaps and bounds.
So true Father Ed.
Being present and in the moment with God makes whatever circumstance we face more doable because we are not alone God is with us. I learned this when recovering from my heart attack and strokes as did my family and my doctors.
Tim said when Dr. Freidman told him, the girls and our friends and family that he had done all he could do and it was no longer in his hands Tim led everyone in
The Lord's Prayer he said it was probably the first time he truly understood "Thy will be done".
Our celebration of the Nativity each December begins a new our relationship with God as one of hope and faith. It is where we begin to refresh and understand again being one with the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
We have to remember we have free will and so having that we may take wrong turns or encounter circumstances that seem overwhelming butto always remember that God is with us every step of the way can help us get through the hardest of times. He has been telling us this forever. The 23rd Psalm and so much more.
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