This week we’ve been on the road with Moses and the Israelites--and today they’ve hit the three-month mark of their exodus from Egypt.
Three months doesn’t sound like a long time, but I have to imagine it felt like it to the Israelites. Just imagine, you’ve left wherever you live…and for the past three months you’ve been following your local pastor--trudging through a hot and seemingly endless desert!
Trusting in God
Earlier this week we heard of how the people doubted Moses and God--asking why did Moses lead them out into the barren desert, where surely, they were going to die?
It’s with this in mind, that God spoke to Moses, saying, “I am coming to you in a cloud, so that when the people hear me speaking with you, they may always have faith in you, also.”
In that exchange, God is expressing His desire to increase the people’s faith in Him and Moses by sharing their closeness in a way that can be observed. God is making it possible for the people of Israel to be part of His instruction of Moses. It’s a way of strengthening the bond of trust of the people of Israel with God and Moses.
Where Are You?
At times, we can feel like following God and those who share His message--is like the experience of the Israelites. We can wonder how long a particular challenge will last. And where is God in all of it?
We can wonder about those who God has chosen to act in persona Christi, as priests of Jesus Christ, whether they are leading the flock in the right direction and in the right manner.
All of these questions are natural. What is important is to realize is that we have all received the gift of faith from God…the ability to believe in what we cannot fully see or even comprehend.
Strengthening the Gift of Faith
But just as seminarian Patrick Peyton, when he was gravely ill, had to be reminded by his priest-mentor Father Hagerty of the gift of faith--that he had received from God and was nurtured by his parents John and Mary Peyton--we sometimes need to be reminded too---and to have our faith strengthened through desert-like experiences when we cry out like the Israelites with our questions.
You could be married or single, a widow or widower, at the early or later stages of life---you can be a priest or religious and have moments when you have these experiences and questions--the important thing to remember is that God has given you the gift of faith and His Presence here on earth.
Fountains of Faith
He has not only given us priests who serve in the Name of Our Savior, Jesus but also the Sacraments and the Word of God to nourish and heal, to inform, encourage, and console us. And, He has certainly given us people of faith like John and Mary Peyton to nurture our faith.
At this holy Mass, God has spoken as powerfully through the Word of God in today’s readings as the thunder upon Mount Sinai and in a few minutes will draw even closer to us--in Jesus--through the Holy Eucharist.
My brothers and sisters, we may have come to this Mass, feeling like we are on an endless march through a desert, but once we have crossed the threshold of this chapel or joined in this liturgy online we have encountered the same God who showed compassion upon the Israelites and Moses—the same loving God who as Jesus taught only wants us to approach Him with open hearts and minds, with open ears and eyes so that He may convert and heal us and help us to grow in trust and confidence in following Him wherever He leads us and our families this holy day.
- Today’s Readings
- Father David's inspirational homily was recorded live during Mass at the Father Peyton Center this morning. You can view the Mass (and the Rosary at the 30-minute mark) on the Family Rosary YouTube page.
- To join the Rosary and Mass Livestream, visit the Family Rosary YouTube or Facebook page at 11:30 a.m. Eastern, Monday – Friday. Consider inviting others to join too! (*If you are not a member of Facebook and a signup window appears, simply select the X at the top of the pop-up message and continue to the livestream.)
