Chemistry teaches us that there are 4 states of matter: solid, liquid, gas, and plasma. The major difference between them is how the molecules are arranged – how tightly compressed they are. From the point of view of chemistry, we might wonder about Jesus’ statements in John’s gospel, to the effect that “I am in you and you are in me,” or “remain in me as I remain in you.” As another preacher put it, “I can put a bowl in a box and I can put a box in a bowl, but I can’t put them both in one another at the same time.” That’s true of solids, because the molecules are too tightly bound. Because the molecules are clinging together, they repel another solid. It’s sometimes is as simple as adding some heat to get those molecules to loosen up, to get the atoms to stop clinging so tightly to each other. When they stop clinging and loosen up, a solid can turn to a liquid, and whereas two solids can’t usually occupy the same space, many liquids can. Red wine and white can be poured together into the same glass (not very tasty), and orange juice and water can mix. So… if you think God may be adding a little heat to your life, maybe it’s in order to get you to loosen up a bit and stop clinging, so that He can abide in you and you in Him. If you’re wound too tight, there’s no room for God – you’re clinging to yourself like the molecules in a solid. Take the heat and let go of whatever you’re clinging to. Loosen up a little bit and give God room to get in you, and you in Him.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 9, 2012

Msgr. William J. King