WEDNESDAY OF THE 17th Week in Ordinary Time

Ex 34:29-35; Mt 13:44-46

The inspiring themes of the readings today would hopefully renew our commitments and desire to obey the Lord at all times. The graces to have the strength to renew our commitments to Christ are being illustrated by the readings today. Let us focus on 4 important graces revealed in the readings today.

First, the importance of a leader. Moses was the spiritual leader of Israel during the exodus from Egypt to the Promise Land. Moses did his best to bring the whole Israelite community to the Promised Land through the desert and through the difficult terrains and even before tribes they encounter. But when God summoned Moses to speak with him in Mount Sinai for forty days and forty nights, the people did not have a leader to be with them. The people began to make a molten calf for themselves and worshipped it. Without a shepherd, the flock will be lost. Pope Francis commented, and we quote: “And something occurs in that desert which triggers idolatry. “Moses delayed to come down from the mountain” (Ex 32:1). He remained there for 40 days and the people grew impatient. The reference point was missing: Moses, the leader, the one in charge, the reassuring guide; and this became unbearable. Thus, the people called for a visible god — this is the snare into which the people fell — in order to identify and orient themselves. And they said to Aaron: “make us gods, who shall go before us” (v. 1); make us a leader, make us a chief. In order to escape uncertainty — the uncertainty is the desert — human nature seeks a do-it-yourself religion.”

Second, the capacity to renew. When the Israelites began to worship the golden calf they created, that marked also the end of their commitment to the covenant they earlier made with God. But as Moses showed his disappointment, the people began to renew the covenant. After they had sinned against the Lord, Moses began to be the mediator between a sinful Israelite people and the Lord. The mercy of God was the power to bring the people back to God. We were told in the first reading today: “When Aaron, then, and the other children of Israel saw Moses and noticed how radiant the skin of his face had become, they were afraid to come near him. Only after Moses called to them did Aaron and all the rulers of the community come back to him. Moses then spoke to them. Later on, all the children of Israel came up to him, and he enjoined on them all that the LORD had told him on Mount Sinai.”

Third, the images that revealed God’s identity. The people of Israel immediately halted their worship and dancing before the golden calf when they saw Moses coming down the mountain with his face radiant. The radiance of the face of Moses was symbolic of holiness of God whom he encountered. It also symbolized the prophecy of an eschatological fulfillment that will happen in the future. Jesus Christ will be radiant at Mount Tabor. Radiance will speak of the Mystery of the Resurrection. It is also symbolic of God’s presence.

Fourth, the search for the Kingdom of God. The search for the Kingdom of God which is a Person is important to receive God’s grace. Jesus is the Kingdom of God. He is illustrated through the merchant who is in search of fine pearl. When finds one, he sells all he had and goes to buy the pearl or finding the treasure buried in a field goes to sell all he has just to but the field. Remember in Palestine, people usually bury their treasures during war so as not lose them. The act of searching delights God. Pope Francis commented saying: “This is how it is with the Kingdom of God: those who find it have no doubts, they sense that this is what they have been seeking and waiting for; and this is what fulfills their most authentic aspirations. And it really is like this: those who know Jesus, encounter Him personally, are captivated, attracted by so much goodness, so much truth, so much beauty, and all with great humility and simplicity. To seek Jesus, to find Jesus: this is the great treasure!”