Scripture:
Exodus 34:29-35
Matthew 13:44-46
Reflection:
The journey through the desert to the promised land for Moses and the Israelites was not easy! There were long days filled with uncertainty. They had suffered enough in captivity and just wanted life to be easier. Moses was a good and faithful servant and God rewarded his dedication by never abandoning him or his people. During this time, Moses was blessed to have many encounters with the Lord. These special times gave him and the Israelite community the hope and promise they needed to stay on the journey.
I think that we all can experience similar life-changing experiences in our relationship with the Lord if we are open to allowing God to work in our lives. There are so many ‘God moments’ in our daily life that we often do not even recognize. There are the many little kindnesses of strangers whether in the parking lot, grocery store, busy traffic or so many other places our feet trod in a day. I just returned from ten days of visiting family and friends in Michigan and Chicago. The days flew by filled with Lake Charlevoix beach time, lighthouse tours on Lake Michigan, hobo pies and smores around the campfire, laughter and stories shared with others. Our time in Chicago brought more opportunities to gather with family and old friends as well as meet new ones. We were blessed to share daily Eucharist and time together with the Passionist community! We biked, hiked to many wonderful sites in the BIG city, spent a lot of time at the shores of the BIG lake and took in the architectural tour of the city as well. Time well spent, Deo Gratias!
As I share with you these spirit-led thoughts I feel a sense of gratitude for all the many blessings, the many ‘God encounters’ in my life and realize what a gift it is to be in relationship with the God of Moses who by his faith and radiant God-like presence was able to convey God’s message to others.
May our lives and the lives of those we encounter continue to radiate the presence and love of God in our lives! Happy Summer journey!
Theresa Secord recently retired as a Pastoral Associate at St. Agnes Parish, Louisville, Kentucky.