Do we know what it means to be struck by grace?

Tillich asks.

Do we know what it means to be struck by grace? 

Tillich suggests.

Grace strikes at unexpected times, when we are in pain, feeling restless, empty, alone, estranged, or when we feel disgust, weakness, or hostility. It strikes us when other things don't work, when we feel directionless and useless, when compulsions reign, and darkness overshadows. When the ordinariness of life grinds us down, or the vacuity of the world's promises leaves us empty, when we finally realize our churning and churning is taking us nowhere fast, in such moments, grace comes to us like a wave of light in the darkness, and we perceive a voice saying, " You are accepted."

We don't know the name of it at the time; there will be much to learn later. We don't have to promise anything at the time, for in that moment we are fundamentally the recipients of a promise. We don't have to give anything; only to receive what is given. Our only and singular task is to accept that we are accepted.

1958. Dr. Paul J. Tillich, Philosopher