God did better than the fathers of internet // 2011.07.28

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My father was working abroad when I was growing up. There was no internet back then, and phone calls were extremely expensive. My father would write us a letter and it would take weeks for it to reach us. We'd send back a response and it would take weeks again to reach my dad. Imagine how not-so-timely our news were to each other. Somehow, it just doesn't feel like I grew up with my dad.

Nowadays, we have cheaper phone costs. We have the internet which not only gives us emails and facebook, but even allow us to do video conferencing. Compare that with sending pictures via snail mail a few decades ago. Everybody has a mobile phone and could easily send SMS anywhere in the globe at a cheap cost.

The world has changed a lot and long distance relationships are just not as difficult as before. I have friends in different countries, but I still get to "see" and talk to them a lot that it's like they're here. I can even stream live videos of events they'd want to join, and we'd be able to laugh at each other despite the distance. I know it's still different than them being actually here, but it's way, way better than waiting for months to get a letter.

But what's even more amazing is how God continues to make His presence in our lives felt. Read the first reading and marvel at how God was with the Israelites "in all the stages of their journey". He made sure they knew He was there.

As if that wasn't enough, Jesus came down and lived with us. To be sure we don't miss Him when He ascended to heaven, the Holy Spirit entered our hearts to make sure we are able to have a personal relationship with God. And surprisingly, that still wasn't enough for Him. We have the Eucharist with which we get to be beside God literally, even put Him inside us! If that's not making sure He's with you, I don't know what is.

In your darkest moments to believe God cares? Or too high with smiles to remember God? Have faith and humility. Open your eyes and let Him surprise you how much He is with you more than you can expect in all the stages of your journey.