It is impossible for a mere human being to know God. Our mind is not equipped to handle this knowledge, at least not as long as we are confined to the limitations of earth. Can a bumble bee understand the Theory of Relativity?
God is Ultimate Mystery. He is transcendent: God is above and outside of the created universe.
Early humans sensed his existence, and his presence, but they had no idea what God was like. They made him into the likeness of familiar items, so there was a sun god, a cat god. and a god of fire. Many deities sprang from the fertile imaginations of our ancestors.
The ancient Israelites worshiped a golden calf, when Moses left them briefly on their own. The early Greeks and Romans invented a number of gods. These were supernatural beings who influenced the affairs of mortals, not always in beneficial manner.
The true God knew that humans were eager to know him, and because he created them out of infinite love, he wanted to share a relationship with them. However, he knew humans needed a being to whom they could relate. This was one of the reasons why Jesus, the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity, came to earth.
Although he was God, Jesus arrived on earth as a baby, the child of a carpenter. Soon after birth, he became a refugee in a foreign land, Egypt. There was no reason for anyone to fear him, to be in awe of him, or to hesitate to approach him. This was just the way God wanted it. He desires love, not fear.
Because of Jesus, we can know God as he is, not just for what he has done. Here are some of the things we now know about God because of what Jesus said and did:
* Jesus is God. "The Father and I are one." John 10:30.
* God is all-powerful. Jesus performed many miracles. He had power over illness, death, demons and nature. He forgave sins.
* God is a loving Father. With the parable of the Prodigal Son, Jesus illustrated how, even when we turn our back on God, he anxiously waits for us to return to his friendship.
Jesus taught us to pray: "Our Father..."
* God is perfect. "Be ye perfect as your Heavenly Father is perfect." Matthew 5:48
* God is love. Jesus left the perfection of heaven and came to earth to die for our sins and to show us the human face of God.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish, but may have eternal life." John 3:16
* God answers prayers. "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." Matthew 7:7-8.
* We have an eternal home in heaven. Jesus said: " In my Father's house are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also." John 14: 2-3.
We can learn much about God by reflecting on what he has done. The beauty and complexity of creation speaks of his wisdom and power.
The diversity and evolution of earth's landforms, climates, plant and animal species indicate his artistry and vision, and his wish to give pleasure to humans.
The adaptation of many organisms to survive in inhospitable environments tells of his ongoing concern and care for creation.
However, without the Incarnation, without Jesus coming to live among us as a fellow human, we would be as ignorant as our ancestors about the true nature of God.
We now know, on the authority of Jesus, who himself is God, that our Heavenly Father is a perfect, loving Parent, that he wishes us to talk to him, that he will grant our requests, and that there is a residence waiting for us in Our Father's house at the end of life.
All that God requires of us is our love and obedience. It's not much to ask in return for all he has done for us.
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