18 May 2012
Today I was blessed by a man, a priest.
I have never searched for God. I have never felt the need. Most of me doesn't even believe.
But there I stood in the stained glass cathedral - the one that dominates the city skyline - in front of a man in white robes. A priest, or bishop, or arch-bishop, whatever they call him.
He drew a cross in the air before me.
I did not feel changed, I did not expect to.
But somehow I felt glad, because of my daring assent before God.
People clumped together, hands in hands, holding one-another, singing slowly words I did not understand, Even though they were written, in English, on paper before me.
I questioned them - why should I rise before God in fear? Why do I need redemption? What are my sins? ...
This was not the God I knew.
I knelt to pray. Something I have never done.
Ever.
"Hey, dude," I said in my mind, "I think I get it, I think I know you."
I imagined God to chuckle.
"You are powerful, and I know why. It's nothing to do with whether a divine creator exists or not."
I imagined God to frown.
"The power lies here, in our minds - faith, belief and love.
Perhaps it sounds ridiculous, but just look -" I peeped out from my closed eyes "- these people are held together by each other, by caring for someone other than themselves."
I imagined God to smile.
"I understand it all now. God. Religion. It is a common language for us all to speak - to share - To care - That is the true power I feel here. That is why people cry from the touch of the priest - because they believe they are cared for."
I imagined God to raise an eyebrow.
"God does exist."
My imaginary God falls off his cloud. He wasn't expecting that.
"Yes, he does. But not because he created us, no, it is because we have created him."
I Know Who Created God • Opuss № I