THE JOY OF GOD'S PRESENCE

“THE JOY OF GOD’S PRESENCE IS THE GREATEST JOY ONE CAN EVER EXPERIENCE”.

This conviction dawned on me during one of my ‘Quiet Time’ and I would like to share it with you.

A question popped up in my mind on what could be the greatest joy one can ever experience. I searched for the answer by looking at the beauty of creation and the many things that man can possibly enjoy. Yes, indeed, the whole of creation is filled with creatures that can give much pleasure and enjoyment to men. But wonderful as they may be, they are still creatures whose existence depends on the creative power of an Almighty God.

Since the question is asking for something that could give the greatest joy, I reasoned to myself that if these creatures can give me joy, then how much more joy could the CREATOR give. Hence, I concluded that the greatest joy can only be found in the Creator Himself.

How to find the Creator ,Who is invisible, is now the challenge upon anyone who earnestly desires to experience His presence.

In Colossians 1:15-17 we read: “He (Christ) is the image of the invisible God, the first born of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominations or rulers or authorities – all things have been created by Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” This Scripture tells me that God, the Creator, has made Himself visible thru JESUS CHRIST, His only begotten Son. Our search for God would therefore now be made possible only thru FAITH in JESUS CHRIST.

While all of creation can give a glimpse of God’s almighty power, I realize that only in JESUS CHRIST can I find a Full Manifestation of God’s PRESENCE.

Christ Himself has said: “Where two or three have gathered together in My name, there I am in their midst” (Matt. 18:20). Before going up to heaven He declared: “I am with you always until the end of this world” (Matt. 28:20)

Faith tells me that in a very special way Christ is present in the Blessed Sacrament under the appearances of Bread and Wine. So for me, my greatest joy is being with Christ and enjoying His Presence in the Blessed Sacrament. Visiting Him there and having an Audience with Him for at least one hour every week gives me joy that lasts.

With these reflections and experiences I believe that the joy I shall experience in Heaven is the joy of being in the Presence of God, the Almighty and ever Loving Father of all, when I shall see Him ‘face to face’. This is what spiritual writers call the Beatific Vision. Here on earth, while I may not yet be given the privilege of seeing God ‘face to face’, I can already enjoy to some degree His Presence as I live my Faith in Christ, following His example of focusing always in doing the Will of God the Father for His greater honor and glory.

by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan

February 21, 2010