BEING IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD

A mother went to her parish priest and explained that her son seemed very interested in becoming a priest. She asked what this would require. The priest began to explain. “If he wants to become a diocesan priest, he’ll have to study for eight years. If he wants to become a Dominican, he’ll have to study for thirteen years. If he wants to become a Jesuit, he’ll have to study for fifteen years.” The mother listened carefully, and as the priest concluded, her eyes brightened. “Sign him up for that last one, Father. He’s a little slow!”

Our pursuit of the kingdom of God and the will of the Father in our life may take a lot of time and resources. Is to possess and live out the Kingdom of God worth our efforts? Indeed! The kingdom of God is like a treasure or a fine pearl for which any treasure seeker or a merchant is willing to give up everything just so they may have it. Anyone will do everything just to be with God; just to follow His will. Even if it takes thirteen or fifteen years, depending on how fast or slow one is.

Why is the Kingdom of God a treasure worth pursuing? By its effect, we can know the reason. In the book of Exodus (34:29-35), we read about the encounters of Moses with the Lord and its effects on him of being with the Lord. His face had become radiant while he conversed with the Lord. More than a treasure that can be held and kept in the kingdom of God; being in the presence of God transforms us into becoming treasures, one that glows like one of kind pearl. 

To possess the kingdom of God is to be in the presence of God. And what does the presence of God inside us make of us? It makes us p.o.g.i. Being in the presence of God makes us radiant, as in the case of Moses, as we are constantly recreated in the presence of the Creator. With God in us, we realize the original intent of God in creating us; to be his image (imago Dei). Seeing and being with our origin we cannot but pursue and imitate the goodness and beauty He possesses, which He generously shares to us.

Thus with such effect, anyone would be willing to pursue the kingdom of God, to be in His presence, even if it means leaving everything behind; even if it means thirteen or fifteen years or a lifetime of formation. After all, longing for God is as good as having God as one preoccupies his mind with things of the Lord. St. Ignatius of Loyola left everything behind, the treasures and comfort of his noble family in Loyola

All these effects and processes can take place in our lives if only we perceive God as the One true treasure that can transform us into becoming treasures ourselves. Can we say as St. Paul did in his letter to the Philippians (3:8), “I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake, I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ?”

Have you observed someone glowing, or having a radiant skin?

It may not be because of any beauty products available in the market (e.g. Likas Papaya, Myra E). He/She may have found and possessed the kingdom of God. He/she may be in the presence of God.

“To give, and not to count the cost

to fight, and not to heed the wounds,

to toil, and not to seek for rest,

to labor, and not to ask for any reward,

save that of knowing that we do thy will”

― St. Ignatius of Loyola