Today's Thoughts...

Today’s Thoughts: “I long to see your face, O Lord.” Perhaps our response today to the responsorial psalm says a lot about why we are here and our readings. Elijah on the run from his own people, discouraged, alone and wondering what is next, finds himself at the entrance of a cave waiting to encounter God. All the loud, grand and obvious experiences of God that we often long for just pass him by. It is in an unexpected tiny whispering sound that God asks the question, “Why are you here?”
 
A good question, why are we here? It is perhaps a question we might ask ourselves listening to the words of the Gospel (Matthew 5:27-32). Words that might discourage us as they suggest tearing out our eyes and cutting off our hands because they might cause us to sin. However perhaps they are words that simply ask us to be honest with ourselves, words that maybe ask us if we are caught up in the fear, hurt, anger, jealousy, loneliness and fatigue of life.
 
Perhaps in the long journey, the often-struggling journey of life we get to a point when all we want to do is encounter God, to see God’s face. We hope for the grand entrance, the profound encounter and yet if we don’t pay attention we will miss the tiny whispering sound that can bring us face to face with God. If we give into the world around us, throw our hands up in hopelessness, it will seem like the only thing to do is let go of this life because it is too hard, too difficult. How can we not sin?
 
However, like Elijah, like those gathered around Jesus to hear his words, we must always remember that in the times of struggle, difficulty and hopelessness, God is always there. Sometimes in the grand encounters of wind, fire and a quaking earth but most often in the tiny whispering sound of the experiences, people and world around us. God doesn’t want us to give up, to despair or maim ourselves. God wants us to look around, to be honest and know why we are here – to love, to serve and to honor God through the joyful living of life.
 
Sometimes it takes a tiny whispering sound to get our attention. Sometimes it takes the stark reality of life to get our attention. However, once we are focused God’s face will always be right in front of us and God’s presence will always be guiding our way!
 
Have a great Friday everyone!