The Christian life is marked by remarkable experiences of God. At times, God seems so near, and we feel so connected. There are also moments, when we feel utterly alone.
Theologians sometimes describe this in terms of God's immanence and transcendence. God is capable of both self-revelation and indescribable otherness. Knowing and naming, our spiritual experience, can be of some practical use.
It is in God's immanence, we feel on the right track. Through the nearer presence of God, we open ourselves to be led. During these stages, the journey of faith is very comfortable and affirming.
Transcendence can be comfortable as well. God can be close, but experienced as wholly other. To put it another way, this could be the knowing of God as holy in quality. Of course, transcendence also implies distance. When we know ourselves to be journeying in the desert, there is precious treasure to be mined.
In the desert, we feel the need we have for God. We recognize that we are not whole by ourselves. Above all, in the desert, we become open.
The task for us is the same. Our call is to be attentive to the work of God in our lives. Near or Far, God works.
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