Pure

I can see clearly that God is there – right there – in the middle of just another ordinary day. 

Saint John and Christ Last Supper (Unknown)

The other day I was going through the motions of my day and it seemed like just another ordinary day.  Afterwards, as I was reflecting on my day – as I often do – it occurred to me that the fact that things had been very similar meant that I was in familiar company…

You see, only the pure of heart can see God in their midst…

“Simon Peter said to them, ‘I am going fishing.’ They said to him, ‘We will go with you.’ They went out and got into the boat; but that night they caught nothing. Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the beach; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, ‘Children, have you any fish?’ They answered him, ‘No.’ He said to them, ‘Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.’ So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, for the quantity of fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, ‘It is the Lord!’” (John 21:1-14).

There he was – the apostle Saint John – he so loved Christ that he could see him across the water.  He recognised his Beloved…  There were at least six other people in that boat, but it was Saint John the apostle who actually saw Christ standing there…

Was it the way that Christ was standing?  Was it the tone of His voice?  Was it His presence and aura?  Was it just the familiar knowledge of one well loved who is recognised even after a significant transformation?  Whatever he recognised in Christ, Saint John the Apostle was able to see Him before anyone else.  And what joy he must have experienced!  What utter joy in knowing that Christ was there!

Saint Thomas Aquinas wrote, “He (Saint John) was more beloved than all the other Apostles on account of his purity.” And for this reason, Saint Anselm wrote, “God revealed more mysteries to him than to the other Apostles, because he surpassed all in virginal purity.”  And he was so beloved of God for his love of God.  In many ways, by loving God so beautifully he mirrored the love of the Holy Spirit, which is the PERFECT love of God the Father and God the Son.

And I have been thinking about that today.  For it seems that God is showing me this example in all the familiar things in my life and asking me whether I see Him there…  And I can see clearly that God is there – right there – in the middle of just another ordinary day.  And it is the most amazing thing that I have ever imagined in my entire life…

How wonderful God is.  How utterly utterly wonderful!

For with prayer, I stand on Holy Ground where everything is clear. Here. At the Foot of the Cross.