Homily: Seventeenth Wednesday of Ordinary Time

Seventeenth Wednesday of Ordinary Time (Ex. 34:29-35) “Looking God in the Eye”

The people of Israel had a profound awe of God. We see that emphasized in the Exodus stories. The Israelites believed that no one could look upon the face of God and live.

In yesterday’s readings for Mass, we read how Moses was a man who could look on the face of God and not be harmed. He had face to face conversations with God. We think of other Biblical figures who had this experience who were important in salvation history.

Adam, the first man, had personal conversations as he walked through the garden of Eden with God. He was completely comfortable with God. Only when he ate the forbidden fruit, did he begin to fear God. He learned what evil was. I was reminded once that evil is live spelled backward. Adam became afraid of God and of life itself. He forgot to immerse himself in God’s love, a love that it is all embracing. If he had, he would not have been scared.

Abraham was another Old Testament figure who had face to face conversations with God. His problem was not so much fearing God, but his problem was trusting God. God told him that he would be a father of great nation. God told Abraham he would have a son by Sarai. God promised Abraham that he would have a wonderful land to call his own. Abraham doubted all this because he thought his time had passed. He was too old, but then Sarah became pregnant. Abraham learned never to doubt God’s word.

We know we are comfortable around someone when we can look them in the eye. Adam could look God in the eye because he felt loved by the Lord. Abraham fell face down when he was unsure of his relationship with the Lord. After he learned to trust he walked with God.

Moses’ face shown with diving light after he saw God face to face. He had learned about loving and trusting God as he traversed through the desert. He was as close to God as anyone could be. If we immerse ourselves in God’s love and try to trust in divine providence how much divine light could come into our life?

Reflection Questions:

1.    The saints are often pictured with halos. What does this mean?

Would it be connected to what Moses experienced?

2.   Do I feel loved by God? To I trust him? Why?

Dear Parishioners,

          Music is a very important part of the liturgy. We always welcome new singers and musicians to join our choirs and instrumentalists. Adding a new voice or a new sound enhances our prayer.

          You do not necessarily have to be a trained musician, but you might just love music. If you are interested, I would encourage you to contact our office and Cheryl Bolt, our music director, will talk to you.

          St. Ambrose said once that the one who sings prays twice.

          May Our Lady pray for us this day.

          Fr. Mark