Indescribable
Have you ever experienced something so amazing you can't begin to describe it?
Because of him each of his messengers succeeds, and by his word all things hold together. We could say more but could never say enough; let the final word be: "He is the all." Where can we find the strength to praise him? For he is greater than all his works. - Sirach 43:26-28
In today's reading, Sirach gives us a glimpse of what it feels like to have seen the greatness of God and to have trouble conveying it to others.
Bearing witness can be a difficult thing, partially because the story of our ascent out of darkness into the light can recall painful memories.
I have heard many witness talks and all have touched the heart and soul in a way that I find hard to describe, especially when the person telling the story breaks down and sobs uncontrollably.
In all that pain and in all those tears, there is a release and a sense of pure joy, as hard as that may seem to the audience.
Words are not big enough to contain that joy and wonder. When we try to explain the feeling or we try to paint the picture of what we have seen, we fall far short. It is then that we learn how inadequate our language is.
No, we need to draw on an extrasensory ability to truly share that feeling. We need to rely on the Holy Spirit.
Think about a time when someone you care about was hurting and you had no clue what you could say or do to help.
Those are the moments when our presence is enough. The spirit living within us reaches out to itself in the other person and makes the connection for us. Spirit to Spirit. It is the only way to truly connect and come close to the way God shines his light in our world.
At least that's how I see it.
Try it.
More to come...
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