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
