A Pentecost Thought About God Dwelling Within Us at Work
God dwells within us - even when we're so busy at work that God seems far, far away. Let's look at this now as we prepare for Pentecost, which arrives this Sunday.
Yes, I realize that many of us consider preparation for Pentecost something "extra" we "should" do if we can find the time; after all, most of our efforts day to day are taken up with our work. And if we're married, more so if we're raising children and have families, it's all we can do to preserve some energy and attention for them after a long, hard day's work. So things like preparing ourselves for Pentecost, while we might recognize its merit, can easily slip into second or third place on our list of things to do.
If you think this way, I'd be the last person to blame you. No matter how many times I've prayed for the grace to think of Our Lord, to keep Him close in my thoughts, busy days of work and pressing family matters can seemingly push Him into the background. Of course, we know that we can't always have our thoughts of Him linger in the foreground while we're slaving away each day. We know that we can offer up our work for this day, doing our best for His greater glory, and that He accepts our offering. We know that we serve Him by expressing our intention to unite ourselves to Him, even as our busy work life directs all our time and attention to the pressing tasks of the day.
In the past we've talked about "leaving Our Lord at the door" when we begin our work day. But those words aren't meant to be taken literally. They're just meant to wake us up, to help us to develop the habit of remembering Him from time to time throughout the day, to keep us working in His light, asking for His grace. If we can do this even a few times during a busy day at work, we show our love for Him. Imagine His delight if we think of Him, perhaps say a short prayer, simply say to ourselves His Holy Name, in addition to our attending to our work conscientiously, being honest in all our dealings, recognizing the authority of those to whom we report and who legitimately wield it, setting a good example for all those who report to us, displaying charity to all those around us.
When I say "delight" I'm not just using some vague fanciful image here. God's delight is real, immediate and personal. We know this not because of some theological tome, or some special insight communicated to us by a saint. We know this simply by applying our own common sense.
Our Blessed Lord Himself told us the kingdom of God is within us.
For now, it's off to work we go. Just remember that "we" refers not only to you and me, but includes - incredible as it may seem - God Himself.
Yes, I realize that many of us consider preparation for Pentecost something "extra" we "should" do if we can find the time; after all, most of our efforts day to day are taken up with our work. And if we're married, more so if we're raising children and have families, it's all we can do to preserve some energy and attention for them after a long, hard day's work. So things like preparing ourselves for Pentecost, while we might recognize its merit, can easily slip into second or third place on our list of things to do.
If you think this way, I'd be the last person to blame you. No matter how many times I've prayed for the grace to think of Our Lord, to keep Him close in my thoughts, busy days of work and pressing family matters can seemingly push Him into the background. Of course, we know that we can't always have our thoughts of Him linger in the foreground while we're slaving away each day. We know that we can offer up our work for this day, doing our best for His greater glory, and that He accepts our offering. We know that we serve Him by expressing our intention to unite ourselves to Him, even as our busy work life directs all our time and attention to the pressing tasks of the day.
In the past we've talked about "leaving Our Lord at the door" when we begin our work day. But those words aren't meant to be taken literally. They're just meant to wake us up, to help us to develop the habit of remembering Him from time to time throughout the day, to keep us working in His light, asking for His grace. If we can do this even a few times during a busy day at work, we show our love for Him. Imagine His delight if we think of Him, perhaps say a short prayer, simply say to ourselves His Holy Name, in addition to our attending to our work conscientiously, being honest in all our dealings, recognizing the authority of those to whom we report and who legitimately wield it, setting a good example for all those who report to us, displaying charity to all those around us.
When I say "delight" I'm not just using some vague fanciful image here. God's delight is real, immediate and personal. We know this not because of some theological tome, or some special insight communicated to us by a saint. We know this simply by applying our own common sense.
Our Blessed Lord Himself told us the kingdom of God is within us.
And being asked by the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said: The kingdom of God comes not with observation. Neither shall they say: Behold here, or behold there. For lo, the kingdom of God is within you. (Luke 17: 20-21)These words aren't some vague image, but describe something clear and specific. And if you're tempted to think that, "OK, the kingdom of God is within me, but really God Himself doesn't really dwell within me," just use your common sense: If the "kingdom of God is within you," what could that possibly mean if not that God is within you? Next time we'll look at exactly what we Catholics understand when we say that God dwells within us.
For now, it's off to work we go. Just remember that "we" refers not only to you and me, but includes - incredible as it may seem - God Himself.
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