Wednesday, 7/19/17 — Getting Closer to God

The first time I tried to call my mom while she was at work, I must have been about 7 or 8. She answered the number that she gave me with her usual work greeting. I replied, “Mom?” She said, “Yes?” I continued, “This is Steven Marsh.” Holding back laughter, she explained, that – yes – she did, indeed, recognize my voice . . . and even if she hadn’t, the tiny voice asking, “Mom?” should have been a giveaway, seeing as how I was an only child.

Still, she assured me I hadn’t done anything wrong. And I was following proper phone etiquette. I wanted to make sure I got it right!

This anecdote came to mind when I reflected on today’s readings. The first reading, from Exodus, deals with Moses’ encounter with the burning bush, where God instructed Moses to remove his sandals and speak with the Almighty. The gospel selection from Matthew begins with Jesus saying, “I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike.”

Other teachings of Jesus show that God wants us to think of him as our Father, but familiarly: “Abba.” There’s some debate as to how familiarly the use of that word was intended, but – even at its most restrictive – the very notion that we should think of God as our actual, loving father is still an amazing one! And that revelation couples well with the notion that the revelations of God have been to the childlike.

There were many situations when I’d talk to my mother. Usually it was calling her “mom.” Sometimes it was an exasperated “Mother!” if I didn’t like what I was hearing. Sometimes I’d call on the phone. Often I’d send her a quick email. Occasionally I’d write physical letters. Many times I’d visit her in person. But I suspect the most important thing from her point of view is that I’d make the effort, even if I wasn’t perfect or committed some minor faux pas like my opening anecdote. There was no one, true way to talk to my mom!

I’d encourage you to take a moment today to reflect on the wondrous, myriad ways that our God has given us to come to Him. If the ceremony, humility, and respect that is due to the Father appeals to you, that is awesome!

If you want to pray by talking to Jesus in your heart as a close, personal friend, that’s wonderful.

If you want to get closer to God in small prayer groups – “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” – that’s a proven method.

If you want to be in the physical presence of Jesus, there are daily opportunities for the Eucharist; to be in his presence even longer, there are often opportunities for Eucharistic adoration.

If you feel more comfortable asking for the intercession of the saints on your behalf, that’s great! The communion of saints is an indispensable aspect of our faith and tradition.

Formal prayer, improvisational prayer, reading Sacred Scripture, reading reflections, writing about the faith, singing, silence, creating holy artwork . . . all of these and more are available to us to get closer to God.

Movies and folklore often portray how difficult it is for heroes to see the gods; epic quests, impossible obstacles, and mortal danger await those who try. In contrast, the one, true God wants us to get close to Him. He longs for us to open our minds and hearts to His love. He has created ample opportunity for us to know him, whether it’s through intellectual scholarship like many saints and scholars, stoic fledgling leadership like Moses, or childlike wonder as Jesus espoused.

If you’re not getting closer to God, the fault isn’t that God hasn’t provided you the means to do so; rather, it’s quite likely that you haven’t taken advantage of the countless other opportunities available to you. The Church doesn’t demand a one-size-fits-all approach to our faith, and reading Sacred Scripture shows multiple paths people have taken to the divine. If you feel distant from God, perhaps you need to try an alternate approach and see if you can get closer that way. And if you already have a solid relationship with God, perhaps consider adding something different or new and see if it gets you even closer. The opportunities are there, and the rewards are inestimable.

Today’s readings: Ex 3:1-6,9-12; Ps 103:1B-2,3-4,6-7; Mt 11:25-27

About the Author

Despite being a professional writer and editor for over 15 years, Steven Marsh is more-or-less winging it when it comes to writing about matters of faith. Steven entered the church in 2005, and since then he's been involved with various ministries, including Pre-Cana marriage prep for engaged couples, religious education for kindergarteners, and Stephen Ministry's one-on-one caregiving. Steven lives in Indiana with his wife and son. Despite having read the entirety of the Bible and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, he's still surprised at elements he rediscovers or reflects upon in new ways. The more Steven learns about the faith, the less he feels he knows; he's keen to emphasize that any mistakes are his own.

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12 Comments

  1. Awesome! Thank you Steven for writing the plain language of today’s reading being reflected in our personal life.

    Its true He always want us to be closer to Him, so easy as it is, but some times it so very for us to do. With His overflowing grace, we will and we can – be more closer to Him.

    I always await every reflection you write and share to us! Praying for more blessings for you and your family! May the Holy Spirit inspires you more!

    God bless!

  2. I just wonder why you have the almost the same message (thought) from our Parish Priest as I attend the mass early this morning. I really connected yours and his message; really may it is address to me, it comes from both of you co-incidentally!

    Thanks

  3. Thanks Stephen for this message. Indeed there are endless ways to connect with our Lord if we find the time. Blessings to all.

  4. We praise God for his appreciation to our efforts to get closer to him. God bless his trying people.

  5. Thanks Steven for your wonderful reflection. It is true that at times I feel far from the Lord especially if I have not had enough time to pray may be when I wake up late or when I overwork myself during the day and find myself too tired for an evening prayer or too busy to read the daily readings. But I always pray to God to help me come closer to Him.
    Thanks Steve and may God bless you

  6. Thanks Steven for your reflection. I also realised something that will even draw me more Closer to God.

    I asked myself, has God revealed himself to me? The answer was NO and that got me sad and thinking.

    Well, how come he revealed himself to Moses and others and not Me? Quickly a thought came in and said well, he didn’t say REVEAL his FACE but rather HIMSELF (all that he is made of).So that’s why he revealed himself to Moses in the form of fire in the burning bush. I then realised God has really revealed himself to me and that’s through his love. For others through healing and others his strength (protection from an accident) and many more. I guess I am right to say God reveals HIMSELF to us through his uncountable attributes. I am so happy now!!.

  7. Thanks Stephen for the wonderful reflection. I love my morning time with God to read scripture , A Catholic Moment reflections and prayer. This routine calms me down and prepares me for the day ahead.

  8. Steven,

    Thanks for that lovely reflection. That story of the call you made to your Mum has amused me so much, i have laughed and laughed! The next time i “call” God, i will certainly be mindful of your call to your Mum. God Bless.

  9. Very beautiful reflection. So many opportunities but it is I who had no TIME. Thanks Steven for reminding me.

  10. May the Holy Spirit inspire us to love God and to look for Him more and more. Thanks Steve.

  11. Thank you for this reflection. It was easy to understand. It replenished my soul and gave hope and meaning to my day. God Bless

  12. Wow. The fact that there are several ways for us to fellowship with our God is good news to my soul. Regardless of various schedules, there is still a valid way to connect with our loving Father. May we continue to be transformed by consistent fellowship with our Lord. Thank you for this beautiful reflection.

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