Tuesday, June 14, 2016

11th Week, Ordinary Time, Wednesday, 15-06-16

2 Kings 2:1, 6-14 / Matthew 6:1-6, 16-16

The question "Where is God?" can be framed as a more philosophical question "Does God exist?" and there can be philosophical discussions on the proofs of the existence of God.

But more often, the question "Where is God?" is asked by people who believe in God but are facing difficulties, distress and doubts.

That kind of question cannot be appeased with philosophical reasoning. Rather the cry behind the question is a cry for God to come to the help of those is difficulties, distress and doubts.

That was also the cry of Elisha as he took the cloak of Elijah and struck the water.

Elijah had earlier taken his cloak and struck the water and the water divided and they had crossed over dry-shod.

But now, Elijah was taken up to heaven and Elisha was left alone to continue the mission of being a prophet of God.

Elisha needed a sign from God to affirm him of his mission and hence he cried, "Where is the Lord, the God of Elijah?" And he was given the sign as the water parted.

In our doubts, difficulties and distress, we too would cry out "Where is God?" We would want God to come to our help and and to give us a clear sign that He is real and present.

But as Jesus said in the gospel, God knows what is happening with us. Three times Jesus said "your Father who sees all that is done ... "

Yes, God sees and He knows what is happening. We need to keep praying with faith, so that when God gives us the sign, we will be able to see it and know that God is indeed real and present.