Word to the Wise
Thursday, July 17, 2025 - Thursday in the 15th Week in Ordinary Time
[Exod 3:13-20 and Matt 11:28-30]Moses, hearing the voice of the Ord from the burning bush, said to him, "When I go to the children of Israel and say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' if they ask me, 'What is his name?' what am I to tell them?" God replied "I am who am." Then he added, "This is what you shall tell the children of Israel: I AM sent me to you. This is my name forever; this is my title for all generations..." [Exodus]
This one passage from the Book of Exodus has challenged theologians, philosophers and all Jews and Christians ever since it became part of the Bible! The words, "I am who am," are not simply a collection of syllables! They are a direct revelation of the person and nature of God. They are not just a name! They are the equivalent of the one who is named. To act in that name is to act with the power of God. The ancient Hebrews came to regard God's name (Yahweh) as so sacred that it could only be said by the high priest once a year in the temple part (the "holy of holies") where God was believed to dwell . Other words were used. such as "Elohim" or "Adonai."
One may understand then, in the Gospel According to John, the reaction of pious Jews to Jesus' frequent "I AM" statements. For a human person to say such a thing was considered blasphemy! [John 10:33]
Philosophers and theologians go into the metaphysical realm to consider what is meant by the statement: "I am who am!" What does it mean "to BE." If, by faith, we believe that God is the source of all "being," what are the implications for all creation, let alone human "beings." God's words from the burning bush transcend the saga of Moses to challenge us to a deeper knowledge of the One who can count the number of the stars and call each one by name [Ps. 147:4] and whose love is everlasting! [Ps. 136] AMEN