I Met God Today

Darkness is not forever ... the light will come ... Maranatha, come Lord Jesus. 'The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world ...  ... and the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory' (John 1:9, 14) 'The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means 'God with us')' (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23) Belfast, December 23, 4.20pm

No matter what, God On the morning of the longest night, we pray the words God speaks through Isaiah: I will turn the darkness before them into light (Isaiah 42) On the evening of the longest night, we pray the O Antiphon: O Oriens, splendor lucis aeternae, et sol justitiae: veni, et illumina sedentes in tenebris, et umbra mortis. O Rising Sun,  you are the splendour of the eternal light and the sun of justice.  O come and enlighten those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death. For all who are in darkness, remember these words. Hang onto them.  For all who are in darkness, remember God's presence. Hold onto him.  He is with us. He is light.  He will come. He will bring us light.  Stay awake. Be ready. Welcome him. For all who are in darkness, remember this:  no matter what, God.  

  I read these poetic and comforting words last night - words from the LORD through Isaiah - it's from today's Office of Readings. What a motto to live by! I know many people who are struggling in these days and need to hear this and to believe it ... replace 'House of Jacob' with your name because God speaks this to each one of us. God IS with us. #Godiswithus ‘Listen to me, House of Jacob,  all you who remain of the House of Israel,  you who have been carried since birth,  whom I have carried since the time you were born. In your old age I shall be still the same,  when your hair is grey I shall still support you.  I have already done so, I have carried you,  I shall still support and deliver you.’                                                                ...

ANNUNCIATION Mary’s yes  (Luke 1: 26-38)               A      angel’s N       news - N      not expected U      unsettling N       nerve-wracking C      confusing I        incomprehensible T      terrifying - I        imparted to O      one young woman, alone, who does not say N      no but ‘let it be with me according to your word’  

* words by Rowan Williams * images by me ** full screen recommended for viewing! #IMetGodToday #Advent #Godiswithus

I met God again today I met God again today. Out walking, still close to my convent. "On the Falls Road?" I hear you say, the quizzical tone hinting doubt, even disbelief. In a built-up urban space, I imagine you thinking, questioning my declaration. But, yes. I met God today and, yes, on the Falls Road and why not? God-with-us is God-with-us. 'where you are, there I may be'  Jesus' promise in reverse Where we are, there God may be also - on the Falls, doing Pana (but, of course!), along the Champs Elyssees, in Grand Central Station, in the barrio and the shanty town, behind the gates of that affluent gated community, at the mountain top, on the motorway, along the canal bank, in the church, at the beach, in the coffee shop, on the rain-sodden grey footpath, in the fields, God is with us God is with me God-with-us, God-with-me, is everywhere I am. It is only for me to see Him If only I could open my eyes keep awake