One of us

In Joan Osbourne’s song, she asks that if God had a name, can we call him by this to His face? If God had a face, what would it look like?  Or is God a slob just like us or that stranger on the bus who’s just trying to make his way home?

I think this song is relevant to the times. If God was one of us today, would we recognize Him? Maybe not.

It won’t be easy.  There are people who claim they have already encountered God yet  there are people who question God’s existence.

For example, if God walked into a restaurant and sat down next to you, some people would be doubtful if you said you  recognized God. How sure are you?

It all begins in the mind. People believe what they think. That’s why when earthquakes, floods and other calamities happen, people think the end of the world is coming. Because that’s what they believe in.

But the real faith comes not from seeing to believe but in believing even without seeing anything.

In John 20:21, Jesus approves of the faith of Thomas, but more highly commends the faith of those who believe without having seen proof.  “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

So is it still hard to recognize God today? Maybe,  if your faith is not deep. Maybe not,  if you believe that God is really alive and is with us through people we meet and experiences that happen to us.

I used to think that God was an almighty being sitting on a throne in heaven. Therefore, it was  hard to come near Him. He was untouchable, unreachable. He was  God and I was not worthy to even think He could  come near me because He was up there with all splendor.

And so when the tough times came, I would think, plan and find ways to get out on my own. I prayed but I still mainly followed my will and what I thought was  the best way to go.

When I succeeded, I didn’t attribute it to God. It was because  I thought about it first and I was good at it. God is up there just watching me!

But when my plans failed, I was miserable. Unfortunately, the failures were  more than the successes. And so I carried a heavy load  with me.

When my husband died, the load became heavier. That’s when I lifted my hand, prostrated before God and gave up! I didn’t run from my problems.  I just gave them up to God. I surrendered and when I did, I found myself really talking to Him as if He was  beside me.

That was the perfect formula. My prayers were answered. Though it took some  time to be solved, I found  other doors opening and  received more than I asked for. God is real!

He is not just up there. He is with us. He is one of us. He feels with us, for us. So don’t fight life on your own.

I have recognized God in my life as clear as a bell. I recognize His grace when I find it hard to face something tough. I feel His love when I feel alone. I claim His mercy when I sin and feel unworthy. I recognize His power over temptations directed at me.

I don’t have to see a face to recognize God. I can only feel with my heart that He exists and believe in faith that He is in every person I meet.

So is He just one of us? He is.

You can see God in the beggar you meet every day. He wants you to be generous.

You can see God in your child who is failing in school. He wants you to love unconditionally.

You can see God in your successful career or business. He wants you to be humble in victory.

You can see God in a difficult person you have to deal with every day. He wants you to be more patient and kind.

But if  you don’t believe me and still can’t recognize God today, you will not miss Him on Judgement Day. In the Book of Revelations, it says that on that day, “every eye shall see Him, even  those who” have rejected Him.

It may be too late to find  God’s mercy and to repent. So repent now. Confess your sins.  Make that change. Be a better person. Serve God in the poor, the downtrodden, the co-worker, the starving, the persecuted, and your enemies (Mt 25:35).

This was the Easter message of Pope Francis : “May the risen Lord, the conqueror of sin and death, be a support to you all, especially to the weakest and neediest.”

I am sure our dear Pope continues to recognize God every day.