Spiritual Presence in our lives
A burglar hears, “Jesus is watching you!” He continues stealing. “Jesus is watching you!” Finally, he sees a parrot and asks, “Did you say that?”
“Yes,” the parrot says. “I’m warning you.”
“And who are you?” asked the thief.
“I’m Moses.”
“Who would name a parrot Moses?”
“The same one who would name a pit bull Jesus.”
Knowing that we are really in the presence of Jesus would change everything. Christian mysticism, being in and feeling the presence of God, is a life changer.
The bible reassures us: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).
God has given us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self control. (2 Timothy 1:7). And we do not travel alone. “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven” ( Matthew 18:10).
Our guardian angels are real. A couple was sleeping on their houseboat early one morning when they heard the boat engine being cranked. The husband jumped up and yelled.
The man who had been vigorously cranking the engine vanished into thin air. Then they realized the boat was full of smoke and there was a blazing fire near their 100-gallon fuel tank. The fire department said if they had not awakened when they did, they would have died from the smoke inhalation in minutes. That day they found out that they were expecting twins.
God is truly present wherever we are. Can you name a place where God is not? “In Him we live and move. We breathe God, we eat God, we clothe ourselves with God. Everything praises and blesses God. All of creation shouts His praise” (St Joseph the Hesychast 78th Letter).
Regarding the spiritual presence of Jesus, Mary, the Saints, Angels and spirits, there is much evidence that we are truly in the presence of spiritual beings. St Padre Pio was asked, “Did he ever see her [Mary] during his life on earth?" His reply, “She was always there.”
Being conscious of God’s presence or other spirits makes a big difference in how we live our lives. You may know some saintly people who are conversant with these spiritual presences on a daily basis. “Thank you Jesus,” they frequently say. Or, “Sorry Lord,” when they make a slip or error.
A growing presence of this mysticism will have a positive effect on us. Spiritual transformation will be a natural growth as our relationship with God deepens. Take for example the Communion of Saints. If we are in prayerful contact with those who have gone before us, we travel more lightly.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1).
Our focus should become clearer and our goal surer as we run the race to our heavenly crown. “So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:22).
How much richer our life is when we realize the Divine presence daily. Jesus promised to be with us in the Holy Spirit and gave us the loving physical presence of the Eucharist.
(592 words)
