> Exodus 3:13-20
> Psalm 105:1&5,8-9,24-25,26-27
In today's first reading at Mass we continue the unfolding story of the call of Moses. As with yesterday, there are elements of today's reading with which we are very familiar: we've heard Moses inquire about God's name, we're familiar with God's responding that He is "I AM", we remember God sending Moses to Pharaoh. However, as with so many Scripture passages there are seemingly hidden details today that animate the story with profound intimacy.
For example, did you catch why God sent Moses to Pharaoh to begin with? "Then you and the elders of Israel shall go to the king of Egypt and say to him: 'The Lord, the God of the Hebrews, has sent us word. Permit us, then, to go a three-days’ journey in the desert, that we may offer sacrifice to the Lord, our God.'" Pharaoh doesn't resist letting the Israelites go forever. Initially, Pharaoh wouldn't let them worship God. God wants their worship, He wants their hearts. He wants Israel to be free, but He wants them free to worship Him. (cf. Exodus 3:18)
Or, did you catch this little detail? "so I have decided to lead you up out of the misery of Egypt into the land of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, a land flowing with milk and honey." God cares about their misery. God is not uninvolved. He is not distant or cold. He sees what's really going on. He sees their misery. (cf. Exodus 3:17)
And, this one's my favorite: "Go and assemble the elders of Israel, and tell them: The LORD, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, has appeared to me and said: I am concerned about you and about the way you are being treated in Egypt". God is concerned. Wow.
Everything that unfolds from here on out is because God was concerned about His people. God's relentless intervention with Pharaoh: all because God was concerned about His people. The miracle of the Red Sea: all because God was concerned about His people. The wandering in the desert, the ten commandments, and the triumphant leading a Chosen People to a Promised Land: all because God was concerned about His people.
There is a deep fear with the things buried in our past that once God takes the initiative He will judge us and reject us, thus leaving us trapped forever in our misery. However, we see today in Exodus a God who is concerned for His people. That's why He intervenes; that's why He takes His initiative ... because God is concerned about me ... God is concerned about us ... God is concerned about you.
Be not afraid. Let Him come close. Today, again today, take some time and allow God to enter into your heart. Ask Him to enter into anything buried in your past. And, be not afraid ... He enters only because of His concern for you.
For example, did you catch why God sent Moses to Pharaoh to begin with? "Then you and the elders of Israel shall go to the king of Egypt and say to him: 'The Lord, the God of the Hebrews, has sent us word. Permit us, then, to go a three-days’ journey in the desert, that we may offer sacrifice to the Lord, our God.'" Pharaoh doesn't resist letting the Israelites go forever. Initially, Pharaoh wouldn't let them worship God. God wants their worship, He wants their hearts. He wants Israel to be free, but He wants them free to worship Him. (cf. Exodus 3:18)
Or, did you catch this little detail? "so I have decided to lead you up out of the misery of Egypt into the land of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, a land flowing with milk and honey." God cares about their misery. God is not uninvolved. He is not distant or cold. He sees what's really going on. He sees their misery. (cf. Exodus 3:17)
And, this one's my favorite: "Go and assemble the elders of Israel, and tell them: The LORD, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, has appeared to me and said: I am concerned about you and about the way you are being treated in Egypt". God is concerned. Wow.
Everything that unfolds from here on out is because God was concerned about His people. God's relentless intervention with Pharaoh: all because God was concerned about His people. The miracle of the Red Sea: all because God was concerned about His people. The wandering in the desert, the ten commandments, and the triumphant leading a Chosen People to a Promised Land: all because God was concerned about His people.
There is a deep fear with the things buried in our past that once God takes the initiative He will judge us and reject us, thus leaving us trapped forever in our misery. However, we see today in Exodus a God who is concerned for His people. That's why He intervenes; that's why He takes His initiative ... because God is concerned about me ... God is concerned about us ... God is concerned about you.
Be not afraid. Let Him come close. Today, again today, take some time and allow God to enter into your heart. Ask Him to enter into anything buried in your past. And, be not afraid ... He enters only because of His concern for you.
© Fr. Mark Toups, 2013
> CLICK HERE FOR TODAY'S UPDATE ON LUMEN FIDEI: ENCYCLICAL FROM POPE FRANCIS
TODAY AT IPF
Today, the 169 seminarians continue their course on the Liturgy. Today the men will learn more about the mystery of the Liturgy and the celebration of the Liturgy. The 23 priests and seminarians here for the Spiritual Exercises are on day 20 of the 30-day retreat.
TODAY'S QUOTE FROM POPE EMERITUS BENEDICT XVI
"The more we open ourselves to God...the more He renders us able, through His presence, to live every moment in life in the peace and certainty of His loyalty and His love. However, this means leaving behind ourselves, and our own plans, so that the Word of God might be the guiding light for our thoughts and actions."
― General Audience, December 19, 2012
TO ENCOURAGE YOU: A FEW THOUGHTS ON LETTING GOD LOVE YOU
