This Jesus God raised up, and of that all of us are witnesses.

 

Wednesday, May 31, 2023


Psalm 83

Ruth 1

Acts 2:22-36


Observances: The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Elizabeth; Week of Prayer for Reconciliation; Ember Day


This Jesus God raised up, and of that all of us are witnesses.


How is your faith? Not on a level from one to ten (if such a thing were even possible), but how do you perceive the things of God? Thomas’ faith was “hands on”, but Jesus blesses us because we believe, even though we do not stand next to Peter on the street in ancient Jerusalem as eyewitnesses. Ask a Christian who has walked with Jesus for many years and you will see a look in their eyes as they smile gently and quietly but confidently affirm the power of God in their life.


Sometimes our faith can be rocked, not by disbelief, but by a perception of distance from God. Sometimes it gets hard to follow God’s plan, and it no longer seems like His face is shining upon us. To feel like God has turned His back is worse than anything else: because we know God is real, and we know how good God is, and to lose God’s constant attention is losing life itself.


Babies are funny creatures. You really get a fresh perspective on what it must be like for God to look at us. They cry a demanding, angry cry when something is not right. But as soon as you pick them up and sort them out they are back to smiling and giggling again, and it is like everything in the world is perfect. Sometimes you can be holding them, trying every trick in the book, but still they yell, eyes closed, lips shaking at the power of their voice. Maybe this is what it is like when we feel like God has turned His back on us. Because He is still holding us tight, giving every good thing out of the palm of His hand.


We are adults, not babies. It can sometimes be difficult, but we need to remember to keep our eyes open to all the good things God is doing for us. Because He is doing them all the time: of that all of us are eyewitnesses.

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