Memorial of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, virgin
(Exodus 3:13-30; Matthew 11:28-30)
Many people today are instantly on a first-name basis. Perhaps a few seniors are jarred when telephone-sales reps talk to them as if they played cards together. But the younger generation generally finds such familiarity unexceptional. For this reason there may be some difficulty understanding the concession God is making to Moses in the reading from Exodus. When He reveals His name, “I am who am,” we might think of it as God’s giving out His cellular number. Now Moses and the Israelites can call God for assistance any time, day or night.
God’s granting Moses and the Israelites knowledge of His name indicates the utmost regard He has for them. Throughout the Old Testament He will also assist them, chastise them, instruct them so that they might become worthy of being His special people. Unfortunately, time after time Israel will fail to respond to God’s directives. Eventually, however, a descendant of Israel obediently carries out God’s will. This is Jesus, the son of Mary.
We followers of Jesus have become the New Israel. Especially the holy ones in our midst, like Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha whom we celebrate today, manifest a full-fledged adherence to God’s commands. Their stories give the rest of us examples and their prayers win for us the grace of the Holy Spirit. Now our lives may show as well that God has not revealed His name in vain.
Showing posts with label first-name basis. Show all posts
Showing posts with label first-name basis. Show all posts
Homilette for Thursday, July 19, 2007
Thursday, XV of Ordinary Time
(Genesis 3)
Most people these days seem to be on a “first-name basis.” Perhaps some seniors are jarred when telephone sales reps use their first names as if they were card-playing buddies. But the younger generation generally finds such familiarity unremarkable. So some of us at least may have a hard time understanding what a concession God is granting to Moses when He reveals His name “I am who am.” However, let us think of it as God’s revealing His cellular number. Now Moses and the Israelites can reach God for assistance at any time.
Perhaps more important than the name, therefore, is what God’s granting His name indicates -- God cares about His people intensely. In the Old Testament He focuses attention on Israel, the Chosen People. He will use them to bring the whole human race together. But time after time Israel fails to respond to God’s directives. Eventually, however, a descendant of Israel will obediently carry out God’s purpose. This, of course, is Jesus, the son of Mary.
It is said that “I am who am” reveals the essence of God, i.e., the source of all being. Jesus will show beyond any doubt that being is not a passive or indifferent at its source but both passionate and compassionate. Through Jesus God will break down the stubbornness and hatred that keep humans from Him and from one another. In Jesus God will reach out to all – especially the lowliest of people -- to make them one with Him.
(Genesis 3)
Most people these days seem to be on a “first-name basis.” Perhaps some seniors are jarred when telephone sales reps use their first names as if they were card-playing buddies. But the younger generation generally finds such familiarity unremarkable. So some of us at least may have a hard time understanding what a concession God is granting to Moses when He reveals His name “I am who am.” However, let us think of it as God’s revealing His cellular number. Now Moses and the Israelites can reach God for assistance at any time.
Perhaps more important than the name, therefore, is what God’s granting His name indicates -- God cares about His people intensely. In the Old Testament He focuses attention on Israel, the Chosen People. He will use them to bring the whole human race together. But time after time Israel fails to respond to God’s directives. Eventually, however, a descendant of Israel will obediently carry out God’s purpose. This, of course, is Jesus, the son of Mary.
It is said that “I am who am” reveals the essence of God, i.e., the source of all being. Jesus will show beyond any doubt that being is not a passive or indifferent at its source but both passionate and compassionate. Through Jesus God will break down the stubbornness and hatred that keep humans from Him and from one another. In Jesus God will reach out to all – especially the lowliest of people -- to make them one with Him.
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