Readings: 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 Pharaoh’s power. That was why he ran away from Egypt in the first place after killing an Egyptian. Moses asked himself: “Who could dare challenge the Pharaoh?” Moses was not thinking of God’s enormous power.
Like Moses, there are times when we become too conscious of the greatness and complexity of our problems that we completely lose sight of God's greatness. Despite seeing that the bush was burning yet not consumed, Moses still feared the wrath of Pharaoh. When we pray to God, it is unfortunate that instead of reflecting on God, we often 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. Moses said, “If I go to the sons of Israel, who will I tell them sent me?” 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 go away, but I remain here. I can never leave your presence. I am here.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, may we never lose sight of your presence amid our challenges. 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. (Thursday of week 15 in Ordinary Time, Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: Exodus 3:13-20, Ps. 105:1,5,8-9,24-27, Matthew 11:28-30).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu