The gift of being Christian is to experience the presence of Christ. This implies a willingness to receive that presence. Christ wants to break though into our daily lives if we provide the space for him to reach us. It is in these times that we are in touch with his unconditional love for us. We let his grace flow through us. In these times we receive the meaning for our automatic habits that make the going through the motions seem new and important because they are informed by his presence. In these times we might also receive direction for actions or refrain from actions that aid us in accomplishing our missionary discipleship. Even though Peter made many mistakes because of his impetuousness, he finally got the meaning of “Feed my sheep.”
On the other hand, you might experience the absence of God. Think of what the Apostles went through after the death and before Christ’s resurrection. Sometimes God has us wait for a period of time before we experience the joy of his presence. The world experienced absence with the death of Pope Francis until they experienced the exuberant joy at the presence of the new pope. In the “presence or absence of God” we need to trust that God in some way is always with us.
- Do you experience Christ in your daily life?
- If so, what form does it take?
- How have you experienced the calling for your life?
O God, help me l learn to appreciate both your presence an absence.