Word to the Wise
Wednesday, August 2, 2023 - 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.
It is clear that intimate conversation with God had an impact on Moses that could be seen and experienced by those who saw him when he would come down the mountain. St. Paul contrasts that "glory," which he associates with the Old Law with the glory that comes from "the ministry of the Spirit," the new law of Christ. [2 Cor. 3:7-18. The Old Law, for him, was the veil that Moses had to put over his face so the Israelites could get near him. Faith in Christ meant the removal of the veil and the revelation of Christ, reflected in those who believe in him.
I rather doubt that many of us would claim a relationship with the Lord that makes us shine so brightly that people can't look at us! But I do believe that an intentional prayerful relationship with God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit - can transform a person in such a way that people can experience his or her faith "radiating." The one thing this should NOT do is keep people from approaching us!!! Exaggerated external piety has a way of separating one from normal interaction with others. We have all received the presence of the Lord's Spirit by virtue of our baptism/confirmation. A consistent daily (and sacramental) prayer-life should enable us to share that Spirit with others and not become a veil that separates us from others. AMEN