Thursday of week 15 in Ordinary Time
Exodus 3:13-20
Psalm 104(105):1,5,8-9,24-27
Matthew 11:28-30
In the thrilling narrative from Exodus, we find a flustered Moses standing before God, yearning to understand the divine essence. And what does God reveal? “I am who am…I AM sent to you.” This isn’t just a cryptic philosophical puzzle to stump the Israelites; it’s a powerful declaration of unwavering, faithful love! In Hebrew, “I am who am” translates to something magnificent: “I will be with you, I will accompany you, and never abandon you.” In ancient Israel, knowing someone’s name meant tapping into their very core, their spirit—like a glimpse into their soul. Faithful love isn’t merely an aspect of God; it is God’s very essence!
As the reading unfolds, God expresses an astonishing sentiment to Moses: “I am concerned about you and about the way you are being treated in Egypt.” Can you believe it? The Creator of the universe, the one who fashioned everything, isn’t a distant, uncaring figure! Instead, God is a deeply loving presence who walks beside us, noticing even the smallest details of our lives. We matter to God! Just think of a friend who offers compassion and support—when life weighs us down, God whispers, “I am here for you.”
This brings us to the familiar yet exhilarating words of today’s gospel! Jesus proclaims, “If you are troubled, if you feel burdened and hopeless, come to me! I will help you, turn to me, and let me refresh your spirit!” Isn’t that incredible? Jesus embodies the care, concern, and compassion of God in human form. He is the living testament of God’s everlasting, faithful love! This revelation is nothing short of astonishing, and it’s a truth we should always hold close to our hearts!
Fr Joseph Osho
