And all the time he will not force himself upon us.  He requires from us that decisive turning of the heart and mind without which he continues to pass by until he has gone.

That has always been his way.  When on the Lake of Galilee he came walking on the water towards his disciples, he would have passed by them: only when they cried out did he stop and turn (Mark 6:48-50).

Again, after his Resurrection, as he walked with two disciples on the road to Emmaus, he ”appeared to be going further” until they constrained him, saying “Stay with us…” RSV, Luke 24:28,29).