15 October 2013 - god alone

15 October 2013 - god alone 

Let nothing disturb you,
Let nothing distress you;
While all things fade away,
God is unchanging.
Patience overcomes everything.
With God in your heart,
Nothing is lacking.
God alone suffices.

Teresa tells us with God in our heart nothing is lacking.  The trouble is that many of us have God in a more external way.

Although you cleanse the outside of the cup and the dish,
inside you are filled with plunder and evil.
We work hard at appearance rather than true devotion.  Because it is appearance that concerns us we are easily disturbed.  The risk is that we may be found out.  Our outward show may vanish.  We understand what it means to be focused on externals.  We know hypocracy all too well. We may be surprised to hear what Jesus recommends for cleaning within:

But as to what is within, give alms,
and behold, everything will be clean for you.”

Just because we are trying to change our heart does not mean we are trying to change something subjective with no relation to the world outside.  On the contrary, we are trying to connect with that outside world in a new and sincere love.

When we achieve this sincerity and integrity we can say with Paul: "I am not ashamed of the Gospel."  It is no longer about appearance.  It is only about making known the one who loves us.  If the gospel is "the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes" how can we keep it within?

"The heavens proclaim the glory of God" by their very nature.  But we must choose to do so.  When we proclaim the gospel we fulfill the purpose for which we are made.  Let us join with all of creation:

The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
Day pours out the word to day,
and night to night imparts knowledge.