God Behind the Curtain
February 16, 2025 at 10:11 a.m.
Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
I’ve had some rough times throughout my life; periods where it seems the punches just won’t quit. But it’s usually during these moments, I’ve thought about how God is bigger than my shortcomings, he’s more powerful than my hangups, and overcoming my struggles is nothing for Him. He’s God. Nothing obstructs Him. Figuring out where to place my trust seems like the simplest math, 1+1 level brain busters.
But that’s when things are difficult, when I seem inadequate. What about when I’m on top of the world and everything I touch seems to go as well as, or better than it should? Believing I am the source of success is an easy trap to fall into.
This is the warning we get from the readings this week. And it isn’t all that subtle.
“Cursed is the one who trusts in human beings…” says Jeremiah.
“…if Christ has not been raised, your faith is in vain; you are still in your sins,” writes St. Paul.
“Woe to you when all speak well of you, for their ancestors treated the false prophets in this way,” warns Jesus in Luke’s gospel.
These are strong warnings to beware in whom you trust. Even if your ability launches you to great heights, who gave you your ability? It’s easy to lose sight of this as we attempt to pull a reverse Wizard of Oz. “Pay no attention to the God behind the curtain,” we say, in hopes we seem as impressive as we feel.
But God remains God. And the curtain is never big enough to hide it.
So, if you struggle to find Him when you’re not feeling great, maybe you’ve tried to tuck Him away. Check! He’s easy to find because He’s not trying to hide from you. He doesn’t want to. He wants you, in good times and in bad. He wants to shower you with blessings whether you’re sinking or swimming. He is always there. And He is always God!
So, when times are bad, but especially when they are good, remember Psalm 46, “Be still and know that I am God.”
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Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
I’ve had some rough times throughout my life; periods where it seems the punches just won’t quit. But it’s usually during these moments, I’ve thought about how God is bigger than my shortcomings, he’s more powerful than my hangups, and overcoming my struggles is nothing for Him. He’s God. Nothing obstructs Him. Figuring out where to place my trust seems like the simplest math, 1+1 level brain busters.
But that’s when things are difficult, when I seem inadequate. What about when I’m on top of the world and everything I touch seems to go as well as, or better than it should? Believing I am the source of success is an easy trap to fall into.
This is the warning we get from the readings this week. And it isn’t all that subtle.
“Cursed is the one who trusts in human beings…” says Jeremiah.
“…if Christ has not been raised, your faith is in vain; you are still in your sins,” writes St. Paul.
“Woe to you when all speak well of you, for their ancestors treated the false prophets in this way,” warns Jesus in Luke’s gospel.
These are strong warnings to beware in whom you trust. Even if your ability launches you to great heights, who gave you your ability? It’s easy to lose sight of this as we attempt to pull a reverse Wizard of Oz. “Pay no attention to the God behind the curtain,” we say, in hopes we seem as impressive as we feel.
But God remains God. And the curtain is never big enough to hide it.
So, if you struggle to find Him when you’re not feeling great, maybe you’ve tried to tuck Him away. Check! He’s easy to find because He’s not trying to hide from you. He doesn’t want to. He wants you, in good times and in bad. He wants to shower you with blessings whether you’re sinking or swimming. He is always there. And He is always God!
So, when times are bad, but especially when they are good, remember Psalm 46, “Be still and know that I am God.”