Knowing God in the in-between time
We are in a sort of “in-between” time, aren’t we? The main celebration of Christmas is over — the special foods, even the leftovers, have been eaten, the tree may by now be at the curb, most of the gifts have been put away, and a few of the toys may have already lost their luster. Plans, and possibly reservations, have been made for the pending New Year’s festivities. You may still be on “holiday,” but even if you are already back at work, things are quiet. It seems a perfect opportunity to think about the mystery of the Incarnation, the event we commemorated last Wednesday.
If you are a football fan like I am, at some point you have seen someone in the crowd behind the goal posts holding up a sign with “John 3:16” on it. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son…” Take a moment to understand and appreciate that statement. Think about it! I mean, really stop and consider: God loves YOU so much that he cast off the trappings of his divinity and became human to show you how to live and how to die. God loves YOU!
In today’s first reading John says he is writing to us because “we know him who is from the beginning.” We know God. Not, we know about God, but we know God. God is a part of our lives. We have been introduced to Jesus and he speaks to us if we make the effort to spend time with him and listen. We are on a first-name basis with God. The Spirit of God moves us to action. That is why we help those in need providing help and creating hope. It is why we seek peace and work for justice in this troubled world of ours.
In this “in-between” time, spend a few more minutes today and tomorrow answering these questions:
What does it mean to me that Jesus was born? That Jesus lived a human life like mine here on earth? That Jesus died to save me? How does it make me feel to know that God loves me? How might my life be different if I really appreciated the presence of God in my life?
Jean Beil, having retired from a long career at Catholic Charities, both in New Jersey and at the National Office, now serves as the regional coordinator for Caritas North America, part of the Caritas Internationalis Confederation.