Luab: The nearness of God

TODAY is the "Feast of the Transfiguration.” Peter, John and James, according to Luke 9:28-36, saw the precise moment when Jesus prayed and the appearance of his face changed. His clothes had also became dazzling white. They were chosen to witness the glory of Jesus in the presence of Moses and Elijah as a voice came from the clouds: “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to Him!”

This was a very memorable moment on Mt. Tabor because after this, Jesus would face his Passion.

If we look back, there were many desolate lowlands in our lives where we were buoyed up either before or after the crises by the moments when we felt God’s nearness, God’s all-enveloping presence.

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It is during the Lenten Season that we can find time to reflect on the appearances of Christ in our lives.

Was it during the time when we had one-third of our last paycheck left and there was no other job offer in the horizon? Then suddenly a friend shoved a check for P5,000 as his help to tide us over while job-hunting.

Was it during the time when we were praying so hard because our son’s fever at 40 degrees did not yet break and then the voice of his nurse intruded our prayer world with a whisper: “He is perspiring now, sir; the fever is coming down!”

Perhaps it was during the time while sitting quietly in the last pew in the church that a stranger sat by our side and said: “It’s so peaceful here. It’s as if God is very near!”

Perhaps it was the simple gesture of a friend peeling a pomelo to share the fruit, a very unselfish action of care, and appreciated because it was done in silence.

God comes to us in many ways—silent, and many times on tiptoe so as not to disturb our ways. Yet it is by this very silence that His presence matters. During the 40 days of Lent, for those who are so caught up in the necessity of having to earn a living for the family—or caught up in the caregiving of a loved one or for someone who has complete charge of a conglomerate—my suggestion would be to “take time out.” Be quiet and spend quality time with God.

For those who hold God’s hands daily, or who work with him in spreading the good news, then we will be happy with you and say “Thank you for letting us see that a relationship with God is a lifetime process.”

What about our relationship with our neighbor? Now is the time to show appreciation, to show that friendship can be sincere; these can be lasting and can be raised on a lofty plane.

Examples are wonderful teachers. It can accomplish more good than words.
Love for life is a wonderful trait to share. There are people who point at flowers, at beautiful shrubs, at rainbows as they breathe their admiration with a “Wow!”

I once saw a couple in their 80s, each licking a cone of ice cream, smiling as they pointed out to me the vendor. In unison they said, “Lami” (delicious). Generosity is also a wonderful example to share.

Many sensible drivers bring biscuits in their cars. When people approach to ask for alms at crossroads, out come the biscuits.

When we eat out for one reason or another, ask for a serving spoon. When it is time to leave, “the take out” can still shared with people. Waiters are not allowed to bring out leftover food on the table. So our takeout can make other people feel happy.

The best way really to spend time with Christ is by sharing sincere love. Ruffle the hair of the waif on a street corner as you give him a biscuit. Smile with tenderness at the old woman you give money to.

Lend a pocket comb to someone who needs to fix her hair. Simple and sincere open gestures of lofty care are never forgotten. They are long remembered even when one is gone. God’s nearness does come out through us.