Readings: Exodus 3:1-6,9-12, Ps. 103:1-4,6-7, Matthew 11:25-27
“Moses said to God, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the sons of Israel out of Egypt?’” (Exodus 3:11)
Moses asked God a question you may have asked yourself several times: “Who am I?” Who am I to solve insecurity in my country? Who am I to write a book? Who am I to start a company? Who am I to become a president, boss, or leader? And so forth. Do you notice how God answered Moses’ question? “I will be with you…” This is the Good News for you today. It’s not about who you are, but who God is. When next you catch yourself asking ‘Who am I?’ know that you are asking the wrong question. You should be asking, “Is God on my side?”
Left to yourself, you are dust. This is what Jesus taught when He said, “Apart from me, you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.” (John 15:5-6). The book of Genesis tells us, “The Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and the man became a living being.” (Genesis 2:7) Before God’s breath, man was simply dust. In other words, without God, you are dust.
When Adam and Eve sinned, God said, “By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” (Genesis 3:19). Moses was right to ask “Who am I to stand before Pharaoh?” He knew he was dust. However, with God on his side, Pharaoh was nothing to him.
Despite growing up in the Palace, Moses knew he was not an Egyptian. His mother nursed him properly. Moses did not let the relative comfort and luxury of the palace enter his mind. He had a burning passion for his people. At a young age, Moses did not ask: “Who am I?” He felt he was someone, and he wanted to end the oppression of his people. Relying on his strength, Moses made a costly mistake; he murdered an Egyptian. This is what happens when we try to do it all by ourselves. This is the fate of those who think they can succeed without God (without adhering to God’s commandments).
Moses fled for his life when his secret was exposed. God did not speak to him until he had become old and lost every atom of confidence in his physical strength. This was to teach Moses a lesson in humility. Like Moses, you may be passionate about something. Never rely on your human qualities. Allow your burning desire to lead you to your burning bush – that is, begin by consulting God. Pray about it and ask God to guide you. Know that you are only an instrument. God will only work through you when you are humble. God only works with those who recognise how much they need Him. Be humble, never forget that you are nothing but dust.
The burning bush is a symbol of the Holy Spirit – the fire that burns without consuming its host. In the Acts of the Apostles, we read, “tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:3-4). Each of them had tongues of fire burning on their heads, yet none of them complained about a burning sensation. As Moses drew close to the burning bush to hear God’s voice, we are called to draw close to the Holy Spirit for inspiration.
“I have observed the misery of my people who are in Egypt; I have heard their cry on account of their taskmasters. Indeed, I know their sufferings… The cry of the Israelites has now come to me; I have also seen how the Egyptians oppress them.” (Exodus 3:7-9). As I reflect on God’s words from the heart of the burning bush, I am filled with hope, knowing that God is not blind or deaf to our tears as a nation. Our prayers are not in vain. God is a loving Father who weeps when His people weep.
In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus offers a prayer of thanksgiving to God for revealing things to the humble (like Moses, those who know they are nothing but dust) and hiding them from the proud. Do not be full of yourself so that the Holy Spirit can find a space within you. If you are full of yourself, you will make many mistakes like the young Moses, and you will hear anything from God. Jesus is God, yet He humbled Himself to the point of describing Himself as the Son of God. Please be humble.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, open our hearts to know why you made us. Grant us the wisdom to pursue our dreams by putting you first in all our plans. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Wednesday of week 15 in Ordinary Time, Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: Exodus 3:1-6,9-12, Ps. 103:1-4,6-7, Matthew 11:25-27).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu