Another longish text post. (That may not be so eloquent but hopefully gets my ideas across.)
(If I tagged you, it’s because I want you to read this. Also, I am sorry to my followers who are not religious and might be tired of these text posts even though I’ve only made two so far.)
So, there is a theory that has been brought up in my Theology class. This theory comes from evidence of words of Saints and authors of the stories in the bible. The theory is, and you can make what you want of it: Those times when you feel further from God are the times when you are closest to Him.
I think that this could have some actual meaning. When we feel further from God, we are usually suffering, however, Christ and God are always near you during times of suffering. Here is a quote from my theology textbook (which has actually been helping me through my struggles with religion): “[…] God was revealed not only as the ‘lofty’ One who reigns from his high and holy throne, but also as the One who abases himself to the condition of the crushed and oppressed.”
Another long quote I would like to present from this text: “The body of Christ on the cross has disclosed for all time how the Son of God drew near to human beings in their suffering. He is mysteriously but truly present to those who suffer anywhere and at any time. His death on Calvary between two criminals symbolizes forever his close solidarity with all men and women who undergo suffering.” Now, at the time that Matthew 25: 31-46 were written, suffering then was described as ‘hunger, thirst, being a stranger, naked, sick, or imprisoned’. While these are still forms of suffering, I think that these can also be expanded with modern times. ‘Imprisoned’ could have just meant literally in prison, however, I think that today, imprisonment could be especially expanded because so many people are being imprisoned by themselves, and they suffer during these times. Their minds work against them and they can’t get out of it, it’s another form of imprisonment.
What I’m trying to say is, God and Christ is near to those who are suffering. According to Matthew 25, these forms of suffering are also criteria for the final judgement, which I have interpreted in two ways. One: if you do not help these people who are suffering with these ailments, then you have not helped God either and you can be sent off from eternal happiness. Two: if you are one who does suffer from these ailments, there will be relief when you are finally at the hands of God in heaven.
To try and wrap these two points together, at those times that you feel like you are moving away from God, those are usually the times when you are suffering, and even though you are suffering and feel like you have lost touch with your faith, God will still be near you.
To some of my friends, who feel that they are moving away from God and his love, I want you to think about this theory, and the statements that I have provided.
(Source: aimandignitesomenights)
