God is Absolute: which points to the greatest paradox of all; He is both infinite and finite. Infinite in terms of; God is the sum of infinity, again another paradox, one that is true because there is nothing greater than God and there is no situation in which there is God and something more. Finite because as in any absolute there must be limitations, because if it is absolute it can’t be something else, again another paradox and necessarily so. It’s important that both aspects of God, the infinite and finite be paradoxical, because both describe a condition which cannot be, but is. Now, we see on closer examination, that when two elements in the same thought or sentence are contradictory yet true, this is when paradox becomes analogy. G.K. Chesterton said, paradox is the truth standing on its head to get attention.  I am saying this in response to Father Albert’s homily concerning summoning God’s forgiveness after a confession.

On one hand, Father Albert is categorically correct, no one can invoke or provoke God into doing anything. On the other hand, you are correct again, because you as a priest do give His blessings at the time of confession. This make sense; that you can give something from God, when we just established you can’t invoke anything from Him; if we agree, that God is absolute. Consider this: by His word, He made what is. He said it would be and it is. So, when Jesus proclaimed by His word, by His oath (as in Matthew 18: 15-20); He established a covenant; definitive in its manifestation and infinite in its mercy. If this points to the truth and I think it does, then what follows are limitations God places on Himself, by His manifestation in this distinctive reality which He created. Let’s consider several conditions; God cannot create a God greater than Himself, if He could He wouldn’t be God. God cannot be evil; evil is the absence of God. God can not punish. He can heal, He can cure, He can re-align, He can rehabilitate, He can discipline, and He can put us through therapy however none of this is punishment. Our worldly father sent us to our room for what we did, our Heavenly Father sends us to our room for what we will become. God cannot lie. There are no circumstances, no contingencies in which God would misdirect or misinform us for our own good. Mercy, understanding and unconditional love demand honesty and sincerity. God did create a world where great tragedies both natural and manmade can and have occurred. Why He did this is another discussion, whether He intervenes during these times is His will.