The Readings this weekend invite us to reflect on our deeper relationship with God.
In the Exodus reading God first attracts Moses attention with the burning bush but he also challenges him to reverence and awareness of God’s presence, “Remove your sandals for the ground you stand on is holy.” Then God instructs Moses about the role he will play in the salvation history of the Chosen People of God.
The experience of Moses in this reading informs us of what it means to be awestruck in the presence of God. We are not paralyzed with fear. We are rather challenged to ponder the presence of God and seek out the way God works in our lives and in the lives of those we love.
In the Gospel, the gardener prunes and clips and fertilizes the fig tree so that it might bear fruit. These actions, if viewed apart from anything else, might look very violent to the casual observer. But in the loving, careful and respectful hands of the gardener, it becomes clear that the plant is being nurtured and cared for.
Too often, when we encounter a person who either cares for us or is in need of caring, we miss the reality that the encounter transcends ourselves. God gives us these opportunities to give and receive his loving care – the opportunity stand in his presence. “Remove your sandals, for the ground you stand on is holy.”
In March we continue to discuss the Sacraments of our Church with large and small group sessions focused on the Eucharist.
We will celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Wednesday March 17, beginning at 6:30. There will be 6 priests on hand to assist with this celebration. Priests will be available until all are heard.
