2.2. Can you sense or find God?

It is appropriate to seek God by affirming foundational truths of the faith—namely, that Jesus was conceived without a human father and rose from the dead. These truths establish His trustworthiness to proclaim realities beyond human comprehension. Jesus spoke of the Father, who remains hidden from the world’s grasp—a truth as relevant today as it was then. While we may accept or question certain supernatural events, it is crucial to recognize that God does not inhabit His creation tangibly, as He is not a physical entity that can be perceived like a particle.

Instances like mind reading, sensing a ghostly presence, past-life recollections, or possession are frequently misinterpreted. In physics, mass and gravity bend time, while quarks and gluons govern quantum phenomena, which might loosely parallel concepts like telepathy. These fundamental elements shape how neurons store sensory and muscular memories, rendering certain experiences immeasurable. Many mysteries of the mind are often mislabeled as supernatural, whether for entertainment or due to misunderstanding of pure brain functions.

Similarly, some Christians may misattribute natural emotional or intuitive experiences as spiritual gifts. For instance, feeling deeply moved by music or intuitively sensing another’s struggles often combines God’s providence with basic neurological functions—processes that are rarely discussed or understood in detail. By distinguishing between natural brain functions and divine action, we can better appreciate both realms without conflating them. However, when faith relies on mislabeled miracles, it can lead to anger, confusion, or disillusionment when such perceived miracles cease.

St. John of the Cross aptly observed that in total darkness, there is nothing to be found—any imagined presence should be released. God’s providence and grace operate independently of visions or sensations. While some saints describe finding God in silence, it is not the silence itself where God is found, for He cannot be sensed. Instead, silence allows the mind to be free, creating a space where providence can guide us. In such moments, one might recall a scripture or recognize a timely memory, but this should not be mistaken for a tangible encounter. God's action does not depend on our feelings or imaginings.