We have heard that God is with you.

The scripture reading for Office of Readings for today is from Zechariah. I was particularly struck by the closing words of chapter 8. After telling the people of Judah of his protection, God, through the prophet, tells them ten men of every nationality, speaking different tongues, shall take hold, yes, take hold of every Jew by the edge of his garment and say, "Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you."

I would like that to happen to me...that I could so radiate the peace and love of Christ that people would come up to me and say, "Tell me what it is that makes you different. We can tell you have a power and tranquillity in your life that is unexplainable. Share your secret with us, for we too want to experience this peace." 

John Eudes Banberger writes the simplest realities frequently conceal the most mysterious of truths under cover of words...words that point to realities that lie beyond our ability sharply to define them. (CSQ 45:1) Maybe this is why we think of Jesus as "The Word". He, though his life, revealed the mysterious truths about life. He drew people, not so much by what he said, but by how he lived. Jesus literally had people clutching the hem of his garment in an effort to get close to him. And that flesh they sought was truly Word.

So what does all that mean for us? That our search for the truth about God isn't just for ourselves. No matter how many or how few people we touch, there are souls waiting for someone to help them find the way. They are looking for that sign, that person, that Word made flesh who is already on the road, and who can help them find their own way as well.