The Tribune

By REV ANGELA PALACIOUS

JESUS asks his disciples who they think he really is. The question continues to be relevant for each one of us today. Who is God for us? We need to have an answer. That answer needs to direct the outcome of our daily decisions. It is as simple as that.

If we say we believe, then we have to live as if we do. If not, we are hypocrites like the scribes and Pharisees. We are faking the faith.

If you are not sure who Jesus is then be honest and do some research. Why not start with scripture and see what has been written about God and acknowledge that as the Son of God there are definite similarities.

In Isaiah 51:1-6 God speaks of being faithful to keep promises made to Abraham and Sarah, being a comforter to the Israelites, a deliverer and saviour. Jesus is the fulfilment of every biblical promise that speaks of who we can become.

Psalm 138 captures the depth of love we owe our God who answers when we call, who does not abandon us when things are not working out well at the time, cares for us, rescues and suffers with us when we do: “I will give thanks to you, O Lord, with my whole heart.”

St Paul waxes eloquently in his letter to the Romans. Who God is, adds up to more than words can express and the finite mind contain: “O the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever. Amen.” (Romans 11:36).

Some of us can answer for ourselves, in a more intimate way: God is our healer, counsellor, our guide, our best friend, our all in all, the lover of our souls, our prince of peace, our fountain of joy, the vine for our branch, the bread and water of life, and as you can see the list goes on endlessly.

I hope by now you can answer for yourself. As you go back through your life, search for all the times the still small voice spoke to you, the gentle nudges prodded you in a particular direction, the eleventh hour rescues, and sustaining grace enabled you to endure the unthinkable.

There is so much more to learn about our God. Each person of the Trinity could keep us preoccupied for a lifetime, much less discovering about all three persons as One God. Add to this, the relationship that we are meant to have with our God, with ourselves as individuals, with each other and with the world, and we will begin to appreciate vastness of our potential wisdom, knowledge and understanding. What is your response?