God Incarnate

"You can't light a candle that is already lit." Again, this idea is from Martin Laird's book An Ocean of Light. It means that we are trying to achieve something, and striving for what already is. He suggests that we think that God is far away, but God is really near.  

But for the reader of 'Hebrews,' it seems that God is far away, and Christ is seated at His right hand in heaven. (See 8:1). Christ has gained access as the consummate High Priest to the presence of God. This presence is literally His face, His visage. But are we near to God in heaven in the same way? This final act as High Priest is "able to save forever those who draw near" (7:25). This agreement, the one of the new way, means that the law is written in the mind and the heart. This seems to require a close presence. But is God still incarnate today? That is, alive in human form?

So we have this paradox. It all seems far away, but it seems near.

In our previous conversation (regarding Hebrews 5 and 6), we have discussed the ideas of obedience and listening. The word obedience (in the Greek text) is a kindred of the word acoustics. It is about hearing -- attentive listening and responding. "Finding silence in which to listen, and pairing this with trust and rest is the pathway to understanding God in absentia, God invisible, and God in creation."

The importance of hearing in our reading has led to the emphasis on silent prayer.  "But the text also speaks to unsilent prayer. Specifically, that of Jesus (5:7), who prayed with loud cries and tears. He was heard because of his reverent submission." 

What is our posture in this reading? We need to understand the position of the original readers, the hearers. Why is this text important? They had to completely radicalize their faith. They had to decamp and walk out, a departure from what they thought they believed. It is possible that we might not understand that everything they believed in needed to be transformed and transcended. Likewise, our faith might easily become bland, and might need to be transformed and transcended. We might not value the cost of discipleship, nor the concept of sacrifice that Hebrews describes. We risk not understanding the radical rupture of the first coming of the Christ. 

One of the mysteries in this mysterium tremendum et fascinans, our attraction or distraction, is that of Melchizedek. This minor character teaches us that the people of God Most High transcend the nation of Israel, their Father Abraham, the Law and the sacrifices. Further, Melchizedek teaches us that the people of God Most High also transcend our own religions.

The rose is without why.

It blooms because it blooms.

It pays no attention to itself.

It asks not whether anyone sees it.

The Rose by Angelus Silesia.

Mysterium Introduction | God in Absentia  | God Invisible | God In Creation | God Incarnate