Read Exodus 3:13-20, Ps. 105:1,5,8-9,24-27, Matthew 11:28-30
“I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go unless compelled by a mighty hand. So I will stretch out my hand and smite Egypt with all the wonders I will do; after that, he will let you go.” (Exodus 3:19-20)
Words are powerful; they control our thoughts, feelings, and actions. The world as it exists today is a product of words spoken by God at creation. We can define the type of future we desire by selecting and controlling our vocabulary.
One word that we must be careful about is: “Difficult.” When we label anything difficult, we command it, asking it not to be easy, and it obeys. When we say something is difficult, it becomes so because we paralyse our spirit beforehand.
This was the experience of Moses in the burning bush. When God told him his mission, there was only one word in Moses’s mind: Difficult! This Moses, who grew up in Pharaoh’s house, was too conscious of the power of Pharaoh. That was why he ran away from Egypt in the first place after killing an Egyptian. Moses was asking himself: “Who could dare challenge Pharaoh?” Moses was not thinking of the enormous power of God.
Like Moses, there are times we become too conscious of the greatness and complexity of our problems that we completely lose sight of the greatness of God. Despite seeing that the bush was burning yet not consumed, Moses still feared Pharaoh. When we pray before God, it is unfortunate that instead of reflecting on God, we reflect on our problems. Instead of contemplating God, we consider our enemies.
Moses asked God for his name because he knew how much people respected names. God said to Moses, “I AM THAT I AM.” No matter how tough life may be, God tells us, “I AM.” I am here for you. I am here with you.
In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus concretises this: “Come to me all you who are burdened by ‘difficulties’, and you will find rest for your souls.” Come to me. I am here for you. I am that I am. I will always be here. Your challenges will soon go away, but I remain here. I can never leave your presence. I am here.
Let us pray: Almighty ever-living God, may I never lose sight of your presence amid my challenges. Through our Lord Jesus Christ. Ame
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Thursday of week 15 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Exodus 3:13-20, Ps. 105:1,5,8-9,24-27, Matthew 11:28-30).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu