From a Distance

Stay six feet apart, they say. Especially now during the holiday season, this is even tougher for us to follow and accept. After all, we are made for relationship and communion with others, and this time of the year is extra special for quality time spent as a family. We are all sad and feeling the void of the presence of some family members this year, maybe because of the pandemic, or maybe because of unresolved family obstacles. Friends, it is tough, but we are in this together.

An Unexpected Gift Our longing to be close to those we love is ingrained deep within us. We want to spend time with them, share stories, laugh and cry together, and just be in their presence. With that in mind, consider how these unprecedented circumstances are affecting our time and relationship with God. Do you feel God is close to you, or far away? Living through the crazy year of 2020, you may be feeling that God is distant from you, tucked away in the clouds, simply watching and not working. Where is His healing and peace in this pandemic? Why hasn’t He answered your prayer? He may feel like a world away.

But there is always good news. It is in these times of distance that God draws us closer to Him. What if we think of distance as a gift? God can use all things for good and for His glory. Maybe you’re so focused on getting through this time of distance that you are missing what you can get out of it. Asking for His healing and working through these “why’s” hand-in-hand with Him are great first steps. When we invest in our relationship with Him, that special connection creates a depth in our hearts that we could never have imagined. That relationship is nurtured by spending time with the Lord in prayer, reading Scripture, and revering and loving Him in all that we do.

“You may seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” -Jeremiah 29:13

Barriers of Fear Friends, God does not hide Himself from us. He sees you and He hears the cries of your heart. And He is always working, just maybe not in the way you expect. Maybe He is working more on you than your situation. His presence is around us and within us in so many ways, and His mercies are new every morning. If you feel God is far from you, consider why you might be keeping Him at arm’s length. What is keeping you separated from Him? Maybe a sin you don’t want to face, your unwillingness to forgive, the pain of grief, or your pride or fear are holding you back from what He has destined you for. Maybe distractions of worry or doubt are easier to sit with than having to trust. Maybe you are scared to face the deep wounds and fresh bruises inside of you, so you keep Him, or those that hurt you, at a safe distance. And my friends, the enemy wants to keep it that way.

“Cast all your anxieties on him, for he cares about you.” -1 Peter 5:7

The wounds and fears in our hearts can cripple us and keep us from forgiving and growing relationships with God and others. We all have wounds and fears that cut deep, and these look different for each of us. You know the ones I am talking about—a blatant betrayal of a friend or spouse, a strained or lost family relationship, an unexpected diagnosis, a history of abuse or the untimely death of a loved one. Sometimes our wounds may be those of omission, a lack of love and respect that we deserve. These wounds of trauma cause fear to stir within us and can paralyze and overwhelm us, causing us to feel stuck in a heavy burden. Even the wounds we think are healed may reopen in time when we are triggered and least expect it. But, we cannot blame ourselves and we must give ourselves grace in those moments. We cannot let fear drive our lives. Healing is a process. Jesus stands ready to cleanse your hurt with his blood so that you can move forward. Our hurtful experiences may cause broken perceptions, but that does not mean God broke His promise to you. I believe God heals our wounds—but chooses to leave our scars, as a reminder of His grace and mercy, and our strength, perseverance and courage. God gives us the grace to remember, yet forgive, even when it isn't asked of us. And I believe He can make something beautiful from it. Maybe you’re hurt. Maybe you feel like you can’t face God or those who’ve hurt you. But what better place than on our knees at the manger of Jesus to reconcile and forgive. And that is where that we are mended.

"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." -Psalms 147:3

Heaven on Earth Maybe Christmas isn’t what you expected this year. But God is always closer than you think. Heaven comes down to Earth not only on Christmas, but every time we pray, read Scripture, attend mass, spend time in the chapel, or receive a Sacrament. Choose to reconnect with Him in these ways if you feel He is distant from you. Remember, He makes Himself present to us in each and every moment, and even in silence, He is not absent. We cannot predict what is to come, but we know tomorrow is up to the Lord. Don’t miss the miracle of today. Let’s choose to walk in it with grace, because God is rock solid, and He is with us in it. Make room for Him in your heart this New Year, and let Christmas joy begin with you.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:9

Jesus, we place tomorrow in Your holy hands. Don't let our wounds and fears rob us and distract us from Your joy and vision for our healing. No matter our situation, our skies are still blue, because our hope forever lies in You. Our dreams are still alive, because You are our joy and our interior peace. Amen.

“I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security." -Jeremiah 33:6