I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth,
for although you have hidden these things
from the wise and the learned
you have revealed them to the childlike.
Our gospel passage today reflects well on the first reading from Exodus, the story of Moses’ encounter with the LORD in the burning bush. The displaced shepherd, tending his father-in-law’s flock, displayed a childlike wonder as he neared this strange phenomenon. Why is that bush burning without a thundercloud in the sky, and why isn’t it instantly consumed as dry brush is usually burned into powdered ash?
Indeed Moses is about to become most learned and wise man as the Lord calls him from shepherding sheep to leading a nation out of slavery. Nor can he imagine how he might pull off this stunt, especially given his speech impediment and that he fled Egypt to avoid arrest and prosecution for murder. He has neither an army nor a powerful weapon at his disposal, nor much respect among enslaved Hebrews. God’s mighty works – the plagues and parting of the Red Sea -- are hidden things yet to be revealed.
As Christians we recognize the pattern. The humblest man, born in a manger and spirited into Egypt to avoid King Herod's wrath, who has no place to rest his head, reveals hidden mysteries to his disciples. And the greatest mystery is the way itself, the way of humility; that is, the way of being and becoming childlike.
Recently, a Veteran in rehab for alcoholism said of a patient who had just checked out of the program. “He’ll be back.” It was too obvious to everyone the fellow had not learned the humility which alcoholism is so determined to teach. Addictions are relentless tutors, far more severe than drill sergeants. Basic Training lasts only nine weeks but addictions last a lifetime and often hound their quarry to an early grave when they pay no attention to their demands.
The Letter to the Hebrews says of Jesus, he learned obedience through what he suffered:
In the days when he was in the flesh, he offered prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered; and when he was made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him…
His people also become sources of salvation as we suffer humiliation and embrace humility. We will study war no more as we follow in the footsteps of our Crucified Savior.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.