I have often tried to use images to teach people that God is not a moody or changeable God; as if He were at one moment, angry towards this person, and kind toward that one. Rather, no, He is God, pure and simple.Posted on 01/15/2014 2:43:31 AM PST by markomalley
I have often tried to use images to teach people that God is not a moody or changeable God; as if He were at one moment, angry towards this person, and kind toward that one. Rather, no, He is God, pure and simple.
Our God does not change, he is God; God who is Love. Instead, it us who change. It is us who have a different stance towards God. Some will say He is angry and wrathful, others will say He is benevolent and glorious. Same God different result.
I was recently listening to a very old Bishop Sheen talk, all the way back from the 1944, one of his radio talks. I believe it that time he was actually Msgr. Sheen. In this talk he uses an image of the sun that I think is very apt to describe that God is simply who He is. How we regard him speaks more about us, for God is not moody, we are. Here is What Bishop Sheen says,
God has not a different mood for those who go to Hell and for those who go to Heaven. The difference is in us, not in Him. The sun which shines on wax softens it; the sun which shines on mud, hardens it. There is no difference in the sun, but only in that upon which it shines. So there is no difference in the God of Love when he judges the wicked and the just. The difference is those whom he judges. (Radio Address, “The Hell there Is” March 1944 @ 11:17ff)
Yes, same God, different result; not based on God, but based on us, based on our stance.
In some sense, Bishop Sheen was alluding to Malachi 4, which also uses the image of the sun, and speaks of different results:
Surely the Day is coming; burning like an oven. All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and the day that is coming will set them on fire,” says the Lord Almighty. “Not a root or a branch will be left to them. But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. (Malachi 4:1-2)
And thus for some, the “Day” (of Judgment) wherein God summons all to his presence, will burn like an oven, bringing fiery destruction. But for others it shall seem a beautiful and warm, sunlit day, bringing healing. Same sun, different result; same God, different result.
I will keep this short today. Little more needs to be said. How will you experience God? That depends on you.
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Amazing reflection, ping!
I like this line from Bishop Sheen’s 1944 speech:
The sun which shines on wax softens it; the sun which shines on mud, hardens it. There is no difference in the sun, but only in that upon which it shines.
And your link is related how?
How will you experience God? That depends on you.
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So simple. So true.
Thanks for posting this.
"Show me your hands. Do they have scars from giving? Show me your feet. Are they wounded in service? Show me your heart. Have you left a place for divine love?"
Good quote!
**God has not a different mood for those who go to Hell and for those who go to Heaven. The difference is in us, not in Him. The sun which shines on wax softens it; the sun which shines on mud, hardens it. There is no difference in the sun, but only in that upon which it shines. So there is no difference in the God of Love when he judges the wicked and the just. The difference is those whom he judges. (Radio Address, “The Hell there Is” March 1944 @ 11:17ff)**
An object lesson.
Fantastic mediation!!! Thanks. :-)
I will pray for you.
Very good. Thanks for the ping.
Right.
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