The name of God was withheld from Jacob even when he pleaded, instead his very own name was changed to Israel. God claimed him as His own just as He proclaimed the Lord God as His. Steadfast was his faith in the Lord our God that it changed him from within. Are we deserving then to know the Holy name of God? For to know His name is to have entered into a very intimate relationship with Him. And through this wonderful relationship with Him we have an all powerful ally who leads us through difficulties, challenges , obstacles and into the promised land of milk and honey.
Yet what do many of us do with the almighty name of the Lord of God? We often abuse it, misuse and justify misusing it! We cheapen the most precious relationship we might and could have. Jesus! Oh God! God d*mn! etc. There is no excuse for this! Some even have the audacity to tell little children who point out that it is wrong, saying it’s okay let us agree to disagree; you will have a different view when you grow up. At least the little child with that child-like faith in the Lord our God is assured a place in heaven, where will you be? Perhaps at the other end of the divide mocking His Holy name with the rest of your unholy friends! Turn away from your sinfulness now! For your sins will be too great for you to bear and it will devour you into the abyss. Yes we all face difficulties and trials in life in varied degrees, but through the suffering and with the grace of God we will overcome them. There is no reason or excuse to give in to sin and temptation hoping for a moment of relief or reprieve of the burdens you carry.
Turn to Jesus instead who waits for you, all you who are burdened and heavy laden. He the Lord our God will set you free and give you the much needed rest. Truly learn from Him, and be humble of heart. Peace and love of our Lord Jesus Christ be upon you my dear sisters and brothers in Christ. Now and forever. Amen
First reading
Exodus 3:13-20 ·
God reveals his name to Moses
Moses, hearing the voice of God coming from the middle of the bush, said to him, ‘I am to go, then, to the sons of Israel and say to them, “The God of your fathers has sent me to you.” But if they ask me what his name is, what am I to tell them?’ And God said to Moses, ‘I Am who I Am. This’ he added ‘is what you must say to the sons of Israel: “I Am has sent me to you.”’ And God also said to Moses, ‘You are to say to the sons of Israel: “The Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.” This is my name for all time; by this name I shall be invoked for all generations to come.
‘Go and gather the elders of Israel together and tell them, “The Lord, the God of your fathers, has appeared to me, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob; and he has said to me: I have visited you and seen all that the Egyptians are doing to you. And so I have resolved to bring you up out of Egypt where you are oppressed, into the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites and the Jebusites, to a land where milk and honey flow.” They will listen to your words, and with the elders of Israel you are to go to the king of Egypt and say to him, “The Lord, the God of the Hebrews, has come to meet us. Give us leave, then, to make a three days’ journey into the wilderness to offer sacrifice to the Lord our God.” For myself, knowing that the king of Egypt will not let you go unless he is forced by a mighty hand, I shall show my power and strike Egypt with all the wonders I am going to work there. After this he will let you go.’
Gospel
Matthew 11:28-30
My yoke is easy and my burden light
Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light.’
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