Homily: Seventeenth Tuesday of Ordinary Time
Seventeenth Tuesday of Ordinary Time (Ex. 33:7-11 ff.) “Moon Shot”
The Israelites believed that no one could see the face of God and live. Yet, Moses did seem to have close interactions with God, and he did live. But Moses did not remain unchanged.
It was said that Moses’ face shone with a divine light that was so bright that others would be blinded when they looked at his face. For that reason, he wore a covering over his face when he talked to the People of Israel.
The reading today is interesting in that we see Moses in close contact with God on the Mountain. Moses would go to the mountain to talk to God because climbing a mountain would bring one as close to God as possible.
Moses wants to see God’s Glory. At first God refuses, but Moses insists. God agrees, but he says that Moses can only see his back. God calls Moses to Mt. Sinai to give him the Ten Commandments, but before he does, he reveals himself to Moses.
Moses stands in the cleft of a rock and God passes by him saying, “The Lord, the Lord, a merciful land gracious God, slow to anger and rich in kindness and fidelity, continuing his kindness for a thousand generations, and forgiving wickedness and crime and sin.” Moses looks on God only after the Lord passes. As my Old Testament Scripture professor would like to laugh and say, “God mooned Moses.”
We can take comfort from this story since we are all sinners. The way God wants to be remembered is kind, merciful and forgiving. If we can take that truth to heart, we can learn to be comfortable with God, not full of fear.
Moses’ face reflected God. His personality did as well. He was richly blessed and blessed others with his prophetic ministry.
Reflection Questions:
- How do I feel about how God describes himself/herself? Do I see God that way?
- Was it enough for Moses to see God’s back? What do I need to see in order to believe?
Dear Parishioners,
It has been one year since Bishop Louis Tylka became Coadjutor Bishop of Peoria. Bishop Tylka shared a letter with the priests on his anniversary. He had some of the same feelings I have had when I have been transferred. You arrive at a place thinking that you know a little bit about what is going on, but then as time goes by and you open each new drawer and closet, and you look through each file, and you meet new people, the reality of the challenges sink in.
Bishop Tylka shared that his prayer life has deepened. I think he truly wants to be a man of prayer. He also wants to know his flock. He has visited something like 50 parishes in his first year. Let’s hope that he is up to the challenge that lies before him when he becomes our bishop in March.
This is a challenging time for all those who lead the church.
May Our Lady and all the Angels and Saints watch over you today.
Fr. Mark