The story is one of the most compelling stories in the Old Testament. In today’s first reading, we see God calling to Moses in the burning bush. How did Moses respond to God’s call? More in a moment. In the Gospel reading from Matthew 11, Jesus says that the Father has “hidden these things from the wise and the learned (and) revealed them to the childlike.” A reminder for us to remain childlike in our faith.
I love the story of the burning bush. God tells Moses, “Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.” This always reminds me of the reverence we need to have for our churches. Jesus is present. It is, indeed, holy ground. After this, God tells Moses that He is sending him to speak to Pharaoh, and that he will lead the children of Israel out of Egypt. A pretty tall order, eh? After all, not every average Joe, much less a fugitive Hebrew, got to go talk with Pharaoh. And how did Moses, the greatest figure in the Old Testament, respond?
“Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and lead the children of Israel out of Egypt?” Not much of a rousing acceptance speech. Moses was not a great speaker. He probably didn’t see himself as a leader. He was reticent to accept God’s invitation. But, how do you say no to God? Quite easily, actually. In fact, we probably do it every day. Perhaps at those times when we question God’s wisdom and ask, “Who am I, Lord, that I should ____________?”, we should take a moment to actually listen for the answer. “You are the one I have chosen; the only one who can accomplish this.”
Father, forgive us for the times when we question your calling on our lives. Give us the grace and courage to more readily say yes to whatever it is you ask of us. Amen.
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