On Caesar, Cyrus, and the Invisible Work of God

Father James Rodriguez explores the concept of God's invisible work in a reflection for The Tablet, using the biblical figure of Cyrus the Persian to illustrate how divine providence operates through unexpected means.

Rodriguez notes that while the Creed describes God as the creator of all things visible and invisible, people often overlook the spiritual realities and hidden ways God works. He points to the prophet Isaiah and the Persian king Cyrus, who facilitated the liberation of Jews during the Babylonian captivity. This historical event allowed the people to return to Israel and eventually set the stage for the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem.

The reflection suggests that God chooses to remain hidden to preserve human freedom, allowing people the liberty necessary to love him. Rodriguez concludes that this hiddenness can make God feel absent during difficult times, despite his continuous presence in history.