PAROUSIA (, parousia) is a Greek term meaning ‘presence’ or ‘arrival.’ Because it is used as a technical term referring to the return of Christ in glory, its more immediate, existential impact is often overlooked. Presence restores the epiphanic power of Parousia, opening us to the Eternal Now of a divine Fulness (Plrma) that is not yet completely revealed. Presence is a simple, immediately accessible entrée into what metaphysicians and theologians call the Mystery of ‘God.’ Presence is not identical with ‘God’ - what is? Yet Presence is that sophianic handmaid of ‘God’ - Hagia Sophia (Holy Wisdom) - who was ‘created at the beginning of God’s work’ and who rejoices in God’s created world and delights in the human race (Prv. 8:22- 31). Presence is the Sapientia of ‘God’, providing us with a taste of divine bliss otherwise inaccessible to the human heart (cf. 1 Cor. 2:9). I offer this book as an invitation for you to enter more deeply into the mystery of Presence where you may experience the Parousia of God.
