We likewise, often experience this apparent loss of God’s presence. Men take up stones to throw at Jesus when they find fault with the ways of God. In response to this God often withholds graces and effectively hides His presence from them. It seems strange but rather than wake these people up and spur them on to return to God, it seems only to confirm them in their self-centered rejection of God.
Jesus poses the same question to us today: “Which of you shall convince Me of sin? If I say the truth to you, why do you not believe Me? He that is of God heareth the words of God. Therefore you hear them not, because you are not of God.”
The difficulties and/or crosses in our lives are not proof of sin in Jesus, but rather of sin in ourselves. The world and sadly many “Christians” seem to find fault with God because God does not obey them and do everything that they want. It sounds petty, selfish, and very childish because it is. Jesus is hidden from such souls, not so much because He has removed Himself and His graces from them but rather because they have blinded themselves and removed themselves from His presence.
The sin is not found in Jesus but rather in ourselves. We can’t see or accept the truth because, in our sins, we are “not of God.” This blindness on the part of sinners brings the work of God’s grace to a screeching halt, as God and His graces are rejected. The sinners of today become just as guilty as the Jews that we read of in today’s Gospel. Our sins are the same cause for the rejecting of Christ and for crucifying Him, as are the sins of fallen away sons of Abraham.
What is the remedy for us? (The remedy for them is over they have already had their chance of repentance, and are already judged.) We must first begin to see the burdens and crosses of this life not as evils to be avoided, but rather as precious gifts from God to be treasured and loved. God chastises those whom He loves. If we have difficulties it is not because God doesn’t love us or has forgotten us, but it is rather because He loves us. This concept is hard for self-centered children to understand, but it is perfectly clear to the honest and objective searcher for the Truth. The father who truly loves his son, corrects, admonishes, and yes even punishes him, but all because he loves him and wishes only that which is best for him. The father who does not truly love cares little what the son does and often gives in to his every whim just to avoid his presence. Sadly, this is too often looked upon as “good parenting.” It is truly the bane of families and society.
Today we are called upon not to turn away from God. If the sight of Him is not within our reach we must go looking for Him. He is never far off, and is very easy to find once we become humble and honest. We must first admit our own faults and failings humbly and honestly and then with true repentance and sorrow for our sins ask of Him to return and give us grace and light once more. It may be that we must follow Him to Calvary, but that should not be a deterrent to us, but rather an encouragement. We can then rejoice with the apostles when they were found worthy to suffer these things for Christ.
Let us reject all our sins; accept all our crosses as something good for us, given to us by a loving Father; call out to God so that we might see Him in everything and at all times; and offer our lives (joys and sorrows) with Jesus as we follow Him to sacrifice everything to our loving Father in Heaven. He is not far off or hard to find if we will only reject our sins and truly seek Him and follow Him wherever it may please Him to lead us.