Cilliers, J.2018-11-152018-11-152010Cilliers, J. (2010). The absence of presence: homiletical reflections on Luther’s notion of the masks of God (larvae dei). Acta Theologica, 30(2), 36-49.1015-8758 (print)2309-9089 (online)http://hdl.handle.net/11660/9532This paper addresses a complex but core issue of preaching, namely the experience of the elusiveness of God’s presence (revelation) by taking cognisance of the notion of masking. Besides being a common cultural phenomenon, the art of masking could also be evaluated theologically and therefore homiletically. Luther’s understanding of the masks of God (larvae dei) is introduced into the discussion, and a number of homiletical implications are drawn in view of the continuous tension that exists between God’s revealing and his concealing.enRevelationPresenceAbsenceMasksArticleFaculty of Theology, University of the Free State