Shekhinah

 I first heard this word, deeply rooted in Judaism, from the lips of Father Larry in one of his sermons.  He was a new priest in the parish and I was enthralled by the breath of knowledge he has on historical accounts recorded in the Bible passed on through word of mouth, tradition or otherwise through written works.  

The presence of God conveyed as if it was a physical reality and not just a fanciful convening of thoughts sealed by faith jogs my memory back into my college days.  I wasn't religious then and I always wondered if God's presence can ever be known.  If it can be known, why are the purveyors and truth tellers not convincing enough? Does it require much faith to know God's presence?  What is the proof of God's presence; His very existence?

This word, "shekhinah" is all the more meaningful to me now because to acknowledge God's presence in my life comes first from believing. "Believe so that your eyes may see."  I see that now as I listen ardently to Father Larry in his sermons and in the confessional box.  The proof that I was looking for is staring at me from the historical annals of the Bible.  Father Larry was instrumental in stitching together what appeared to me then was a jigsaw puzzle of historical pieces that truly point to the very nature and existence of a loving God.  His explanation of the Bible as it revealed itself through time, people, events, and real places opened a window through which I believe firmly that God is real.  He exists.  He is here and evermore outside of the realms of time.  His presence is and always will be - the great "I am."