Before a Burning Bush
Homily on Wednesday, 15th Week in OT, 19 July 2023
Some time ago when I was still assigned in DBFC Lawaan, I joined the aspirants in their summer camp in a nice resort in Cantabaco, Toledo. One late afternoon, as I was strolling around trying to explore the forested part of the resort, I was suddenly puzzled by what I saw from a distance – a big star-apple tree that was seemingly on fire without being consumed by the flames. I thought it was exactly like the burning bush which Moses saw on Mt. Horeb. I was about to kneel down in reverence but when I tried to look at it again, I realized it was just a cloud over a big tree. The setting sun struck the cloud orange and made it appear like a fire flaming out of the bush.
Today the first reading from the book of Exodus presents to us the story of how Moses encountered God for the first time on Mount Horeb. And it was precisely there in that meeting before the burning bush that the Lord revealed to him his true vocation in life and his mission to save the Israelites from their slavery in Egypt. Indeed the Lord is kind and merciful as the Responsorial Psalm today proclaims. He makes use even of the most ordinary people to shame the wise, the learned and the powerful in order to save the weak and the oppressed.
As we celebrate this Holy Mass may we keep in mind that this chapel is indeed another holy ground as it is made holy by his real presence in the Eucharist. This is where we can encounter God in a very intimate way and hear his voice softly but clearly telling us our specific mission in life, and how we are to make everyday a truly pleasing sacrifice of praise to Him who is always present among us.
Let us also keep in mind that no matter how simple, ordinary, young or elderly we might be, God calls us and sends us to accomplish a great mission in this world, that is, to continue Christ’s mission of salvation for all, each one of us according to our status in life. Like Moses may we respond promptly with courage and confidence knowing that God himself will be with us. GiGsss
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