The Kingdom of has a humble beginning

Ex. 33:7-11.34:5-9.28, Mt. 13:36-43. Today's first reading describes the Covenant relation of God with His people as the total way of life under God, for it touches all aspects of their existence. Moses understood that life in all its complexity is a gift from the living God, who sustains us day by day. This is exemplified in Moses’ own direct experience of God. He had a special tabernacle, or meeting tent, for his encounters with God. As Moses entered this tent, the column of cloud came down to its entrance and there the Lord of glory spoke with Moses “face to face”. While this is a figure of speech, since the eternal God has no “face” or “voice” like a human being, it still highlights the unique privilege and holiness of Moses for: “No prophet has arisen in Israel like Moses whom the Lord knew face to face. He had no equal at all” (Deut. 34:10-11). Moses remained in the presence of God for forty days and forty nights, without food or water. His fasting may have been a penance for the sins of his people, but might equally be from deep contemplative joy. Today, we are also summoned to a personal encounter with the living God.

The way of Moses can be our guide. We should progress in purity of heart and purpose, towards a higher spiritual state, for: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Mt. 5:8). As we reach out to God we can also get some glimpse of the divine presence and pray, like Moses, to “The Lord, the Lord, a merciful and gracious God, slow to anger and rich in kindness and fidelity.” The graciousness of God is explained to us in today's Gospel through the parable of the wheat and the weeds. Its focus is the final separation of the good and the wicked at the end of time. He suggests that until that final separation, good and evil will co-exist in the world and in the Church, and also, perhaps, within our own hearts. The weeds and the wheat grow together and the final separation will be made by God in judgment. It is not our place to judge each other’s moral quality in the present time, since judgment about people’s motives belongs to God alone. We need to remember what Paul said to those who were judging him: “Do not pronounce judgement before the time, before the Lord comes.” Remember that He is a “God of tenderness and compassion, slow to anger, rich in kindness and faithfulness.”

May the Lord help us to be considerate and kind and bring joy, not pain, to those we meet! Amen!! Good morning, and have a terrific day!!!