[Pearls Ep 149: Answering atheism Tuesday.]
We’re not sure who it was – C.S. Lewis? Chesterton? – someone in their orbit once observed something to the effect that there are actually no atheists. There are just people who, for whatever reason, are unable to experience the reality of God all around them.
In this past Sunday’s Gospel reading, and the current installment of Pearls of the Interior life, Jesus strikes to the core of atheism – doubt that arises in our hearts when we think “where is God in this?”
On what will be a related note, we’re fortunate to have our daughters attend Franciscan University. So it caught Steve’s eye when he happened upon an excerpt of a conversation between Jordan Peterson and Fr. Dave Pivonka.
Fr. Dave is the current president of Franciscan. We encourage you to take a look at this video – particularly at the 6:15 mark. Fr. Dave does a beautiful job sharing a personal but universal experience with suffering.
Fr. Dave gives a living example of what Jesus means when He says, “blessed are those who take no offense at me.” When we come to trust that Jesus is truly present, especially in our suffering and even if we don’t “feel” Him there in the moment, then there’s no offense taken – there is only gratitude and a reaching out to Him.
And we pray and hope for that for everyone who has yet to experience it.
Blessings on your journey with Christ –
Steve and Karen Smith
Interior Life
Postscript: Matthew 11:2-11
When John the Baptist heard in prison of the works of the Christ, he sent his disciples to Jesus with this question, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?”
Jesus said to them in reply, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.”
As they were going off, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John, “What did you go out to the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? Then what did you go out to see? Someone dressed in fine clothing? Those who wear fine clothing are in royal palaces. Then why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written:
Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way before you.
Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”