GROW AS A DISCIPLE
Meaningful human relationships rarely last if only one party makes an effort to maintain a connection. The same is true in our relationship with God. In the scene recorded in today’s first reading – arguably one of human history’s “Top Ten” most important events – God takes the initiative, but the encounter is two-sided. God causes the bush to burn and Moses approaches; God calls Moses and he responds, “Here I am!”; finally, Moses asks God his name and God reveals himself as “I am who am.” Moses’ cooperation with God throughout is essential for them to arrive at this monumental revelation which would allow Moses (and, by extension, all of the Israelites) to call upon God by name. Despite our many technological achievements, a free, generous, loving response to God’s initiative is still the only “fruit” we can bear for him that he cannot procure himself. This is the fruit which the fig tree in Jesus’ Gospel parable is meant to produce. If we truly desire and seek this relationship, God will reveal himself to us so that, no matter our stage or state of life, we can bear this fruit even now.
GO EVANGELIZE
In his encounter with God, Moses exhibits an exemplary combination of boldness and humility which teaches us how we should approach our relationship with God. This is our “roadmap” which will help us fertilize the “ground” of our hearts. Consider Moses’ bold, inquisitive spirit: “I must go over to look at this remarkable sight,” and his prompt response to God’s call: “Here I am!” Consider the audacity Moses must have had to ask God for his name. At the same time, however, consider his humility in removing the sandals from his feet and hiding his face before the majesty of God. The God who revealed himself to Moses is the same God who invites us into a relationship with him. We can and should have Moses’ boldness to ask God to teach us about himself. But we should also approach God with a spirit of reverence and awe. Our humility will be the fertile soil that God can use to make us his intimate friends and his representatives before others.
LISTEN
Sometimes we have habits or attitudes that prevent us from hearing God’s voice. Like Moses removing his sandals, choose something you can forgo this week (for example, social media or music in the car) so that you can hear and respond to the Lord. Make sure you dedicate your extra quiet time to talking to God.
By The Faithful Disciple