Closer to Us Than We Want Him to Be
Many would prefer to keep God at a safe distance.
We push Him into the far reaches of the cosmos — the Watchmaker God, the abstract Principle, the distant Being who sets things in motion and then steps aside. Even sophisticated language about science, randomness, or autonomy can serve the same purpose: creating space between ourselves and the unsettling nearness of God.
But the God revealed in Jesus Christ refuses to remain distant.
He draws closer than we are comfortable with.
Closer than our arguments.
Closer than our defenses.
Closer than our carefully maintained independence.
The Christian God is not content to remain an idea. He enters history, takes on our humanness, and walks among us. Lest we relegate Him to royalty, He chose to be born in poverty. Lest we claim He had the privilege of fame, He lived most of His years in a hidden life. Lest we dismiss Him as omniscient and immortal, He handed Himself over to suffering and death. This is not the behavior of a distant deity. This is the posture of a loving God who desires communion.
Yet it is precisely this closeness that disturbs us.
A distant God can be discussed.
A distant God can be managed.
A distant God can be admired without requiring conversion.
Closeness requires response
But a God who is near — a God who knows us, sees us, and remains with us — requires something more. His presence exposes our evasions and unmasks our attempts to control our own lives. The nearness of God reveals not only His boundless love, but our reluctant resistance.
In the Eucharist, this closeness reaches its summit.
Here, Christ does not merely speak to us or inspire us. He remains. He abides. He gives Himself to us — body to body. The Lord of heaven and earth makes Himself vulnerable — silent, hidden, and dependent upon our reverence.
This is a closeness that we did not invent and cannot dilute.
Redemptive not sentimental
The Eucharistic Lord does not stand at a distance offering advice. He draws near to heal, to sanctify, and to remain. He comes close not because we are worthy, but because we need Him. His closeness is not sentimental; it is redemptive.
This is where resistance often arises.
It is easier to speak about God than to remain with Him.
Easier to analyze faith than to surrender to it.
Easier to admire Christ than to open our hearts and allow Him to dwell within us.
Yet the Christian life is not an exercise in maintaining a safe distance. It is a call to abide — to choose to remain with the One who has already chosen to remain with us.
The closeness of God is not an idea to analyze, but a presence to receive.
If we find ourselves uneasy with how near God has come, it may be because His nearness beckons for trust rather than control, surrender rather than strategy. Still, He does not withdraw. He waits — patiently, quietly — closer to us than we want Him to be, and closer than we could ever deserve.
Total Consecration: Day 26 – St. Louis Marie de Montfort – Daily Reflection
St. Louis Marie de Montfort says, “If you want to know the Mother, know the Son.” Br. Julian finishes up the week of ‘knowledge of Mary’ by speaking of the three great mysteries of Mary, and how they reveal God’s love for us.
Total Consecration: Day 27 – St. Louis Marie de Montfort – Daily Reflection
With the week of ‘knowledge of Jesus’ beginning, Br. Julian teaches how any devotion, especially devotion to Mary, must always be directed to Jesus as our end goal alone. Mary is our perfect road to Christ, devotion, the bricks of the road.
Total Consecration: Day 17 – St. Louis Marie de Montfort – Daily Reflection
In considering the subject on judgment, we need to understand this; in the eyes of God and in his judgment, when he will execute judgment, nothing can escape, everything is written down, all our thoughts, words and actions, everything is well recorded.
Total Consecration: Day 28 – St. Louis Marie de Montfort – Daily Reflection
Out of the great love with which Christ Jesus loved us, He gave us His continual presence in the Most Holy Eucharist. Br. Julian expounds upon the beauty of Christ’s love in the Blessed Sacrament.
Total Consecration: Day 30 – St. Louis Marie de Montfort – Daily Reflection
The culmination of God’s love is found in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Br. Julian expounds upon how the love of God went to the furthest extent of suffering so that we may be freed from sin and live eternally in the loving mystery of God.
Total Consecration: Day 18 – St. Louis Marie de Montfort – Daily Reflection
Preparing ourselves for consecration to Our Lady, we are going to reflect several points to make us aware of some of our defects, in order to correct them. Scandal, fraternal charity, and faith.
Total Consecration: Day 33 – St. Louis Marie de Montfort – Daily Reflection
With the final day of our preparation for consecration to Jesus through Mary, Br. Julian reemphasizes how consecration to Mary only serves to further perfect our relationship with Jesus Christ.
Total Consecration: Bishop Conley
Consecrating ourselves to Jesus through Mary can be a truly life changing experience. Bishop James Conley discusses what this consecration is, and urges the faithful to make the consecration to Jesus through Mary.
Total Consecration Part I – Introduction: Twelve Preliminary Days – Preparation for Days 1-12
There are three sections that St. Louis de Monfort uses for the preparation days. Br. Julian talks about Knowledge of Self, Knowledge of Mary, and Knowledge of Jesus.
Total Consecration: Day 19 – St. Louis Marie de Montfort – Daily Reflection
Spiritual perfection consists primarily in the observance of the commandments. The Ten Commandments hang on the two greatest commandments: to love God with all our hearts, with all our soul, and with all our mind; and to love our neighbor as ourselves. One good thing is the practice of examination of conscience, as we usually do before going to the sacrament of confession, or even daily examination of conscience.