a close call
“Come closer to me.” —Genesis 45:4
The conversation between the powerful Joseph, second-in-command of all Egypt, and his estranged brothers was not going well. Joseph broke through the communication block by setting aside his glory (cf Phil 2:7), emptying himself of his power (see Phil 2:7-8), and telling his brothers, “Come closer to me” (Gn 45:4).
In the Song of Songs, God likewise calls to His beloved, hidden in the rocks of the cliff, to “let Me see you” (Sg 2:14). The Lord wants to hold us close, like a father holds an infant to his cheeks (Hos 11:4), like a mother fondles her nursing infant (see 1 Thes 2:7). Like Joseph, Jesus says to each one of us, “Come to Me” (Mt 11:28). He assures us that He is gentle and humble of heart so that we will not be afraid to come closer to Him (Mt 11:29).
Let us welcome the Lord by saying to Him: “Draw me!” (Sg 1:4) Jesus is Emmanuel, God-with-us (Mt 1:23). He dwells among us (Jn 1:14). All of Scripture shows a God Who greatly desires (see Lk 22:15) to be close to us. He’s not pleased when we draw back from Him (see Heb 10:38). At Jesus’ death on the cross, God Himself tore open the veil in the sanctuary (Mt 27:51), which had separated the people from the presence of God. God now comes so close to us that He even enters into our bodies in the Holy Eucharist! Therefore, any lack of closeness is on our part, not His. The Lord God says: “Come closer to Me!” (Gn 45:4) How will you respond?
Prayer: Jesus, nothing can separate me from Your love (Rm 8:39) except my own free choice. Nail me to Your cross with You so that I will never leave Your side.
Promise: “The reign of God is at hand!” —Mt 10:7
Praise: For decades, Trina operated an inner-city pregnancy center, ministering to impoverished mothers and their babies and drawing them closer to God.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from June 1, 2025, through July 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 25, 2024"
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.