*Fourth Sunday of Advent 22 - December 2013*
*Matthew 1, 18-24*
*José Antonio Pagola*
*Interior experience*
The evangelist Matthew has a special interest in telling his readers
that Jesus has also to be called *“Emmanuel.”* He knows very well that it
can be shocking and strange. Who can you call a name which means *“God with
us”?* However, this name contains the core of the Christian faith and is
the centre of the celebration of Christmas.
This ultimate mystery that surrounds us on all sides and which believers
call “God” is not something far away and distant. It is with all and each
one of us. How can I know this? Is it possible to reasonably believe that
God is with me if I do not have any personal experience however small?
Usually Christians are not taught to perceive the presence of the
mystery of God within us. For this reason many imagine him in some
indefinite and abstract space in the Universe. Others seek him by adoring
Christ present in the Eucharist. Many try to listen to him in the Bible.
For others, the best way is Jesus.
The mystery of God has, undoubtedly, its ways of making itself present
in each life. But it can be said that in today’s culture, if we do not
experience it in some way within us, we will find it hard to do so outside
us. On the contrary, if we perceive his presence within us, it will be
easier to trace his mystery in our environment.
Is it possible? The secret lies, above all, in knowing how to remain
with the eyes closed and in peaceful silence, welcoming in the simplicity
of one’s heart the mysterious presence that encourages and sustains us. It
is not a matter of thinking about it, but of welcoming the peace, life,
love, and forgiveness… that comes to us from the innermost depths of our
being.
It is normal that, when we enter within our own mystery, we face our
fears and worries, our wounds and sorrows, our mediocrity and our
sinfulness. We should not worry, but remain in silence. The friendly
presence in the most intimate depths within us will go on calming us down,
freeing and healing us.
One of the most important theologians of the twentieth century, Karl
Rahner, states that, in the midst of the secular society of our times,
“this heartfelt experience is the only one with which we can understand the
message of faith of Christmas: God has become man.” The ultimate mystery
of life is a mystery of goodness, of forgiveness and salvation, that is
with us: within each and every one of us. If we welcome it in silence, we
will know the joy of Christmas.
**********
*Taste and see how sweet God is! *
*Matthew 1, 18-24*
*José Antonio Pagola*
*Interior experience*
The evangelist Matthew has a special interest in telling his readers
that Jesus has also to be called *“Emmanuel.”* He knows very well that it
can be shocking and strange. Who can you call a name which means *“God with
us”?* However, this name contains the core of the Christian faith and is
the centre of the celebration of Christmas.
This ultimate mystery that surrounds us on all sides and which believers
call “God” is not something far away and distant. It is with all and each
one of us. How can I know this? Is it possible to reasonably believe that
God is with me if I do not have any personal experience however small?
Usually Christians are not taught to perceive the presence of the
mystery of God within us. For this reason many imagine him in some
indefinite and abstract space in the Universe. Others seek him by adoring
Christ present in the Eucharist. Many try to listen to him in the Bible.
For others, the best way is Jesus.
The mystery of God has, undoubtedly, its ways of making itself present
in each life. But it can be said that in today’s culture, if we do not
experience it in some way within us, we will find it hard to do so outside
us. On the contrary, if we perceive his presence within us, it will be
easier to trace his mystery in our environment.
Is it possible? The secret lies, above all, in knowing how to remain
with the eyes closed and in peaceful silence, welcoming in the simplicity
of one’s heart the mysterious presence that encourages and sustains us. It
is not a matter of thinking about it, but of welcoming the peace, life,
love, and forgiveness… that comes to us from the innermost depths of our
being.
It is normal that, when we enter within our own mystery, we face our
fears and worries, our wounds and sorrows, our mediocrity and our
sinfulness. We should not worry, but remain in silence. The friendly
presence in the most intimate depths within us will go on calming us down,
freeing and healing us.
One of the most important theologians of the twentieth century, Karl
Rahner, states that, in the midst of the secular society of our times,
“this heartfelt experience is the only one with which we can understand the
message of faith of Christmas: God has become man.” The ultimate mystery
of life is a mystery of goodness, of forgiveness and salvation, that is
with us: within each and every one of us. If we welcome it in silence, we
will know the joy of Christmas.
**********
*Taste and see how sweet God is! *
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