I love mystery novels, particularly the ones that slowly draw you closer to the answer as you admire the mind of the detective as they put all the pieces together. By the last page, most (if not all), the questions have been answered to some level of satisfaction. There is a sense of completion so that we can move on.
The mystery of God and that of faith often leaves us with more questions than answers. In fact, often when Jesus is asked a question, he responds with a question of his own or a parable. He hardly ever gives us a straightforward answer. (This was part of our discussion at Wednesday Bible study as we reflected on questions in relationship to our faith - see also chp. 12 in "Everyday Spirituality: discover a life of hope, peace and meaning" by Jim Hazelwood).
In the midst of all today's uncertainty, we would like answers. It gives us reassurance and even comfort. It offers us some sense of control.
Yet, God is not controllable. As one professor known to say - God is on the loose. The more we try to get a handle on God, the more elusive God is - like trying to capture the wind. The image of the hem of God's robe filling the temple gives us a sense of how little we can know about God (Isaiah 6:1).
Hebrews (11:1) reminds us that "faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." Faith does not rely on certainty, but on mystery. What we can be assured of is that God is indeed faithful and loves us beyond all knowing.
God in God's self may be a mystery, but God's character is not as was revealed by the cross.
Quotes:
"Mature faith is rooted in questions, every day” (J. Hazelwood)
“Live the questions now. Perhaps then,
someday far in the future, you will gradually, without even noticing it, live
your way into the answer” (Letters
to a Young Poet, Rainer Maria Rilke)
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