Where is God?

This morning Bob, the kids and I attended a mass and reception in honor of the 25th anniversary of the ordination of a priest that Bob knew from high school. He was one of Bob’s favorite teachers and Bob has always loved hearing his sermons.

During the man of honor’s homily today he told a story. He mentioned that it is a story that he has also shared over the years when he led Kairos retreats for his students. As the story goes, there was an old man who had been beaten down by life. The man was cynical and often felt depressed.

One day the man was at church and encountered a young boy who was full of energy and exuded joy.

The man said to the boy, “I’ll give you a quarter if you can tell me where God is.”

The boy replied, “I’ll give you a dollar if you can tell me where God is not.”

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Sadly this year our parish has lost two young people.

When the mother of one of those who died was writing a thank you message to everyone who had paid their respects and supported her family through the early days of their mourning, she talked about how during difficult and painful times in our lives we may wonder “where is God?”

Then the bereaved mother went on to say that in the midst of their grief her family looked around at all those who have shown them so much love and kindness and saw God in each and everyone of us.

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On this first day of Advent I wish you and your loved ones peace, love and the grace to see God in everyone and everywhere in your life.