Word to the Wise
Wednesday, August 2, 2017 - Wednesday in the 17th Week in Ordinary Time
[Exod 34:29-35 and Matt 13:44-46]As Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the commandments in his hands, he did not know that the skin of his face had become radiant while he conversed with the Lord. [Exodus]
Scripture scholars have long recognized that the traditions in the Bible were woven together by various authors working with the help of the Holy Spirit. Today's passage from Exodus seems to jump back in time, because we have already encountered the story of Moses coming down from the mountain with the tablets of the Ten Commandments only to find his people dancing around a golden calf! The tradition in today's passage emphasizes the effect of God's presence on Moses. St. Paul would later compare Moses' veiled face (and the commandments) to the new law of Christ. Other later writers have been inspired by the impact on Moses and could speak to our own efforts to draw near to God.
Centuries of Christian witness testify to this kind of impact, even if some of the accounts can seem a bit fanciful in nature. Drawing near to God in faith will definitely affect the way we conduct ourselves. We don't have to frighten people with holiness as Moses did, but we will have an impact. Holiness that comes from an intentional relationship with God is a goal toward which all baptized persons are called. Those who succeed to a greater extent can encourage the rest of us. AMEN
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