Bidden or Unbidden

Looking within the pages of notes, study material and unpublished lectures of the medieval scholar Erasmus, a phrase rings out plainly into the cacophony of today’s pounding life with its unrelenting pace and unyielding schedule of obligations:

“Vocatus atque non vocatus, Deus ad erit.” Latin
“Bidden or unbidden, God is present.” English

Psychologist and theologian Carl Jung was captured by this phrase and the depth of its meaning for the world. God is always there, whether we asked for Him or not. Jung had this Latin phrase carved and bronzed and hung it over his home entrance, a physical reminder of God’s tangible availability. This plaque served as a lifetime memorial about his conviction, his heartfelt passion that there is nowhere a person can run that is away from God. It is also present on his tombstone as an epitaph.

“Invitado o no invitado, Dios está presénté.” Spanish
"Chiamati o inopportune, Dio e presente." Italian

We may sometimes forget that we don’t have to invite God into our lives…He is already present, in the midst of happiness and joy, trouble and strife, grief or blessing, life or death. There is no obstacle to high or deep that keeps God away from the problems we encounter.

“Appelés ou injustifiées, Dieu est present French
"Genannt oder unangebracht, Gott ist." German

Whether we call upon God, cry out to Him in help or in praise, God is working in us and through us an all around us. God’s divine activity is traceable, His hand within our lives, plans, footsteps.

When welcoming a brand new child, God is there.
When facing the grief of losing a child, God is there.
When experiencing personal fulfillment, God is there.
When experiencing the blackness of depression, God is there.

The question has never been “Where is God in all of this?” But instead the question remains, “Are we paying attention to what God is doing?”

Bidden or unbidden - God is present. Vocatus atque non vocatus, Dues ad erit.

When a hungry stranger receives food, God is there.
When a lonely widow is welcomed into the city, God is there.
When people work for peace and struggle for justice, God is there.
When we witness courage and bravery, God is there.

When someone is rescued from a flooded street, or when a bomb in the heart of the city is defused and made safe, God is there.

When a child is carefully instructed and taught, God is there. When anger is irrational and bullets are flying and strength and bravery offer protection, God is there. And though it may be hard for us to accept, even when people are trapped and terrified in an airport, God is there too.

Reach up and reach out and claim the presence of God, who is right there with you, every step of what you are doing. Extending our hands out to man require that we must, absolutely must keep our hearts extended to God.

Bidden or unbidden – God is present.

“Great are the works of the LORD, they are pondered by all who delight in them. Glorious and majestic are His deeds, and His righteousness endures forever. He has caused His wonders to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and compassionate.” Psalm 111:2-4