The opening text will come from a book by Abraham Joshua Heschel (God in Search of Man - A Philosophy of Judaism). As you are able to see by the title, the language may be a bit dated and therefore, I will, when able, make the language inclusive.
Our seeking (God) is not only (humanity’s) but also (God’s) concern, and must be considered an exclusively human affair. (God’s) will is involved in our yearnings. All of human history as described in the Bible may be summarized in one phrase: God is in search of (humanity). Faith in God is a response to God’s question…
When Adam and Eve hid from (God’s) presence, the Lord called: Where art thou (Genesis 3:9)? It is a call that goes out again and again. It is a still small echo of a still small voice, not uttered in words, not conveyed in categories of the mind, but ineffable and mysterious, as ineffable and mysterious as the glory that fills the whole world. It is wrapped in silence; concealed and subdued, yet it is as if all things were the frozen echo of the question: Where art thou?
Again, be reminded of such a God as this. Not only can’t we say we are alone (although the feeling of being alone can be intense and very real), we must tell one another that our God is chasing through the garden to find us as we try to hide away. The searching is not a searching in order to punish, it is a searching in order to express love and be in union with God’s children. Do not fear. Do not consider yourself lost…this God of our finds all and promises to rescue us in times of need.
Connection: Prayer may be the best way to send up a flare as God searches around for us so that God’s power and grace may abound for us.
Blessed Creator of All that is, within the events of this day, it comes as a marvelous revelation to know that you long to be with us and to remain at our side. By your presence, we are comforted and encouraged and are able to begin again…even when beginnings seemed impossible for us. Praise be to you. Amen.
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