Wednesday, July 16, 2025

 Wednesday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time

(Exodus 3:1-6.9-12; Matthew 11:25-27)

God has been described as both terrifying and fascinating.  This is why the burning bush in today’s first reading makes such an excellent symbol.   Moses is attracted to the raging fire that doesn’t consume its fuel.  Yet he must heed the voice from within the bush.  No one should doubt that Moses takes off his sandals at the Lord’s command.

But Moses hesitates to accept God’s command to lead the Hebrews out of Egypt.  He likely figures that If he fails, he will have to pay heavily.  Moses does not know God yet.  He was raised in Pharaoh's house.  Moreover, even the Hebrew people have largely forgotten the Lord of their ancestors.  They do not realize yet that God’s essential quality is merciful love which shows both patience and counsel so that people can learn His ways.

But we should not equate merciful love with blind indulgence.  God knows our hearts.  He will forgive our failings when we sincerely repent.  But he will not be fooled into forgiving when we take Him for granted or when we refuse to forgive others.

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