We do not need to carve out a way to God merely through our will. Our life is forever "hidden with Christ in God." We may feel far from God, but He is close to us; we do not have to work our way to Him. Rather, it is as the parable describes: "While he was still far away, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him." And the words of the son, learned by heart: "Father, I no longer deserve to be called your son; take me as one of your hired servants," are already surpassed by the embrace of the father, who calls to the house: "Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet!" The fullness of God is accessible without prior preparation... The "preparation" of the child is a leap into the arms of the Father, where the love of the Father, that is, the will and interests of God, takes precedence over everything of our own, which, whether we want it or not, is known to God, thought out by Him, and included in His plans.
(Hans Urs von Balthasar /1905–1988/, excerpt from the text Christian Meditation)
