On that day you will realize that I am in my Father and you are in me and I in you... And whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love you and reveal myself to you --John 14
Christianity is a revealed religion. We Christians believe that we have come to know and to love God, who can seem beyond our minds' capacities to understand, because God first made Himself knowable to us. Humanity would like to know God; God, who is love, wants to be the beloved of every human heart.
How do people go from being strangers to being friends or even spouses? Someone starts the conversation. Can you imagine God saying to you, "Do you come here often?" or "What's your sign?" To Peter, Jesus said, "I see you like to fish. Would you like to help me fish for people?" God breaks the awkward silence and begins the conversation. Revelation follows.
When we want to let another get to know us we begin to reveal things about ourselves, where we're from, what kind of work we do, maybe the basics of our family life. We might go on to hobbies and interests, books or films we've enjoyed, sports, travels, or the plans we're making for our future. I like to ask this question: "What's your big dream? What have you not done yet that you'd like to do?"
I've told you before that I love etymology. I love to see the connections between words and what they signify. To reveal means "to unveil." If you're invited to attend an unveiling, expect to see a beautiful work of art or an exciting, visionary design. When God or we reveal ourselves our glory shines through. We share beauty and truth. Something new comes into being, a new relationship. Even love.
I've been working on a book for a couple of years. Or for about forty years, depending on how you look at it. I'm comparing the most read book in the history of printing, The Bible, with the most viewed film in the history of filmmaking, MGM's 1939 version of "The Wizard of Oz." Right now I'm to the part where the travelers have overcome many obstacles to arrive at the Emerald City intending to meet the wonderful Wizard of Oz. The problem is, he doesn't want to be known. He has godlike powers and lives in a grand religious temple complex. But the travelers are told by a gatekeeper, "No one's ever seen the great Oz."
As the story unfolds we learn that he's a humbug. He wants to stay hidden and unknown because he's pretending to be something he's not. At a critical moment he is unveiled by the faithful companion, Toto. The curtain is pulled back. Despite his initial protests, we do pay attention to that man behind the curtain. And, though flawed, he does end up having important gifts to offer.
In this transition time as I assume leadership in our Catholic Community at Stanford I'm hoping to get to know you better. In answer to your question, yes, I do come here often, that is to church. But I also like sports and I like to play golf and cards. I like to cook and to eat. I'm on campus most weekdays, except on Thursdays, and would love to take you to lunch. I'd give you my card, but my information is on the front cover of the bulletin.
Know that whether we've gotten to know each other yet or not, I pray for you and for your happiness every day.
Fr. Nathan Castle, O.P.
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