Lent is the perfect time to grow closer to God. For many years, that was how I thought about Lent and the purpose of my Lenten practices. This was a time to become more spiritual, holier, and loving, resulting in a closer relationship with God. After all, isn’t that what Lent was all about? Try harder, work harder, do more penance. That’s what God wants, isn’t it?
I was thinking it all depended on me doing the right things, as if God were distant from me and I needed to close the gap by becoming a better person. In other words, earn my place in God’s heart. Many of you know what I mean!
I heard a homily recently that turned my understanding upside down. The focus was on God’s love and closeness to us, in contrast to our seeking closeness with God. The homilist quoted Fr. Paul Cutino, S.J., stating: “God is as close to us as water is to fish”!
I had it backward! I can’t grow closer to God because I am surrounded by and in God, just like you are.
This Lent, instead of trying to earn what I already have, I am basking in the awe of God’s intimate presence. You might say that I am letting this realization soak in!
You can too.
– Terri Sersch
I believe it was Thomas Keating, OCSO, who said that the greatest problem in prayer is praying as though God is absent or far away. Today’s reflection reminds us to believe that God is close and even within us.
What a great reflection not only for Lent but for every single day! Thanks Terri🙏
Beautiful reflection Terri! A good reminder for every day!
A beautiful insight…to bask in the awe of God’s intimate presence. Thank you!
Thank you I needed to hear and realize this again.
Pray for my acceptance of PET/CT scan teste results today
Thank you Terri for this gentle reminder. God lives within us. And is always with us, and surrounds us. Basking in the love of God today 💕
Good thoughts, Terri! Thank you.
Though it is a practice to settle and center all the parts of us that keep running away from God with us. He is with us, but too often our minds are not with him. I love lent because there is so much time given just to be with God.