Why I Believe: Wesley Wolfe

I believe in God because I see him. I see God in the actions of my parents, who raised seven children with the Catholic faith. A decade as an altar server allowed me many quiet moments where I saw God upon the altar, in the church, and over my head. I see God in church functions and activities. Why would fellow Catholics and Christians concern themselves greatly with the well-being of others? For what purpose do we clothe the naked, feed the hungry, and comfort the sick? I watch God in these people who take prayer to action. I join them in witnessing, and I believe. I can see God in the natural beauty that surrounds me. The crashing calm of a waterfall brings peace and tranquility to an anxious mind. I believe because I can see.

I believe in God because I can touch him. I feel God’s perfect touch as my son tightly grips my hand, his insecurities and fears felt with every passing pulse. I feel God in each cut and scratch of my wooden rosaries, as time continues to erode and alter their form as well as mine. I feel God and believe in His existence every time I feel my lips touch the lips of my wife, who converted to Catholicism because she felt God, too. Our bond reminds us of the covenant we made to God through the Sacrament of Marriage, and we strive to honor and obey. I believe in God because I can touch Him.

I believe in God because I can smell Him. The earthy, seedy smell of the forest after a cleansing rain reminds me of the sacrament of reconciliation gifted us; allowing us to renew ourselves before our Lord. I remember the smells of my newly born infant children; the smell of innocence and birth which leads to the Sacrament of Baptism. I smelt God in new life. I still remember to this day the poignant smell of the bible I read as a child; a combination of hickory chips and paper preservatives. I still smell that same aroma with every Bible, as if God has been there for every page turn. I believe in God because I can smell him.

I believe in God because I can hear Him. I hear the sharpness of a woodpecker’s direct hit upon a fallen tree. The bird feasts on its inhabitants for nourishment, just as the Lord nourishes our soul when we feast on scripture and prayer. I can hear the wind in the distance tearing through the forest; raging in my direction. Upon reaching my location the rampage reduces to angelic whispers that speak of purity and perfection in a world unknown to us. I hear the word of God, whether it is read or spoken from the pulpit, and I believe. Words can mold, motivate, and strengthen; helping others to believe in God. I believe in God because I can hear Him.

I believe in God because I can taste him. As I nourish my physical body with food, I can taste God in the grains and plants that He gifted to me and so many others. I taste God as I receive communion, the Body of Christ dry against my tongue. I can taste God in the currants and tannins of red wine consecrated into the Blood of Christ. His presence is known to us throughout the Liturgy of the Eucharist, and I believe. I believe in God because I can taste him.

I believe in God, and I plan to show that faith regardless of how unfair or unpopular it may become. I believe in God because I sense Him. I see, feel, smell, hear, and taste his glorious path impressed upon my soul. I believe in God because I have surrounded myself with believers. I believe because I ache to perform good deeds for those in need. Truly, I believe in God because He believes in me.

WESLEY WOLFE lives with his family in North Carolina. For more on Wesley’s work, visit thedailypassage.com
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