May 19: Presence and Grace / Presencia y Gracia

Among our Jewish ancestors, God’s presence and grace were found, first and foremost, in the Ark of the Covenant. Later,  He was recognized most powerfully in the Temple. The Temple, “the dwelling place of the Lord,” became the primary symbol of the Lord’s desire to live among and with His people. Eventually, the Wisdom Books of the Bible expanded the people’s appreciation of God’s presence and grace – reminding them that He also willingly “abided” in their hearts.

In the Gospels, Jesus says (in John 14, 21-26 for example) that God’s presence and grace are even more intimate than our ancestors appreciated. He says, “God lives in the hearts of those who love Him and keep His Word.” He also says that His presence and grace are only known, really, by those who love.

St. Augustine said, “God’s presence and grace are near at hand, all around us.” And St. Paul said, in Athens: “the living God made heaven and earth and the sea and all that is in them. … In bestowing His benefits, He has not hidden Himself from us. From the heavens He sends down rain and rich harvests; your spirits He fills with food and delight.”

Spiritual homework for this week: Just as the Father’s presence and grace came through Jesus, so the presence and grace we have received must flow through us to inspire new life in others. Are we up to the task?

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En el Antiguo Testamento de la Biblia, el lugar donde Dios habitaba era, primero, la Tienda y el Arca de la Alianza; después, el Templo. El Templo era el signo principal de que Dios vivía en medio de y con su pueblo. Esto era tomado con frecuencia demasiado al pie de la letra, materialmente y casi mágicamente. Los Libros Sapienciales, de la misma Biblia, decían que la presencia de Dios era algo más interior: Dios se hacía presente por medio de su sabiduría, hallada en el corazón de los justos. 

En los Evangelios, Jesucristo dice (Juan 14, 21-26 por ejemplo) que la presencia de Dios es mucho más íntima: Él vive por amor en los corazones de los que le aman y guardan su Palabra. Y es una presencia que sólo la puede conocer alguien que realmente ama. 

Cristo manifestará hoy su presencia entre nosotros de forma misteriosa y sacramental – en las cosas ordinarias de la vida cotidiana. ¿Estamos listos para reconocer a Él?