REFLECTION/HOMILY FOR THURSDAY OF THE SIXTEENTH (16TH) WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

THE VEIL OF MYSTERY: GOD’S DESIRE TO DRAW NEAR TO HIS PEOPLE

First Reading: Exodus 19:1-2,9-11,16-20
Responsorial Psalm: Daniel 3:52-56
Gospel Reading: Matthew 13:10-17
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In the depths of sacred Scripture, we encounter a triptych of divine revelations that beckon us to embark on a profound journey to the very heart of God’s mystery. Today’s readings invite us to tread upon the sacred ground of God’s mysteries. As we delve into the extraordinary encounters with the Divine, a central theme emerges—God’s profound desire to reveal Himself to us, to unveil the mysteries of His kingdom, and to grant us the grace to comprehend the hidden depths of His love and truth. In this reflection, we stand at the precipice of the divine encounter, where the ordinary gives way to the extraordinary, and the mundane transforms into the miraculous.

The First Reading (Exodus 19:1-2,9-11,16-20) transports us to the foot of Mount Sinai, a place charged with awe and trembling. The chosen people of Israel stand at the threshold of a profound encounter with the Almighty. God, in His majesty and glory, descends upon the mountain amidst thunder, lightning, and the blast of the trumpet. The divine presence is veiled in smoke, evoking a sense of mystery and transcendence. Moses, the faithful mediator, ascends the mountain to converse with God, becoming a living bridge between the human and the divine. In this passage, we witness the awe-inspiring reality of God’s self-revelation, His desire to draw near to His people and establish a covenant of love. It is a testament to God’s infinite love, reaching out to humanity and inviting us to embrace His divine presence in reverence and worship.

In the Responsorial Psalm (Daniel 3:52-56), three young men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, find themselves amidst the scorching flames of the fiery furnace. Despite the imminent threat to their lives, their faith remains unshaken. Instead of despair, they raise a chorus of praise, acknowledging the Lord’s sovereignty and mercy. In the furnace of trial, God’s presence becomes tangible, protecting and preserving His faithful servants. The Psalm magnifies the profound reality that God’s presence is not confined to the mountaintops or the holy sanctuaries, but He walks alongside us even in the fiery trials of life. In our darkest moments, the Lord’s grace sustains us, and we, too, join the chorus of creation in offering Him our unwavering praise and thanksgiving.

And in the Gospel Reading (Matthew 13:10-17), the mystery of the Kingdom of God is unfolded. Jesus, the Word made flesh, speaks in parables to the crowds, veiling His teachings in earthly stories. While the parables reveal the secrets of the Kingdom to those with open hearts, they remain enigmatic to those whose hearts are hardened. The passage echoes Isaiah’s prophetic call to perceive with the eyes of the heart, hear with the ears of faith, and understand with the depths of the soul. It is an invitation to encounter Christ, the living Word, and embrace the divine wisdom hidden within the simplicity of His teachings. God’s desire to reveal His Kingdom to us is evident through Jesus’ patient teaching, drawing us closer to the profound mysteries of His love.

Dear friends in Christ, at the heart of these readings lies the breathtaking reality of God’s self-revelation and His yearning for a transformative encounter with His beloved children. He calls us to ascend the mountain of faith, to brave the fiery trials with unwavering trust, and to open our hearts to the hidden depths of divine wisdom. As we stand in the presence of the Almighty, veiled in mystery and splendour, may we echo the sentiments of the Psalmist, offering our heartfelt praise and worship. Let us embrace the teachings of Christ, allowing the parables of His Kingdom to penetrate our souls and bring us to a deeper understanding of God’s plan for our lives.

In our world of distractions and noise, may we find the quiet space to encounter the Divine, to listen to the whispers of His love, and to behold the wonders of His revelation. Let us become living witnesses of His transforming grace, radiating His light and love to a world in need of hope and redemption. As we immerse ourselves in the Word of God and enter into the divine encounter, may our lives be forever changed, and may we walk the path of faith, veiled in mystery yet guided by the unyielding hand of God’s love. Let us embrace the awe-inspiring journey of faith, where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and the sacred encounter with God becomes the defining moment of our lives.

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Shalom!
© Fr. Chinaka Justin Mbaeri, OSJ
Paroquia Nossa Senhora de Loreto, Vila Medeiros, São Paulo, Brazil
nozickcjoe@gmail.com / fadacjay@gmail.com

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Have you prayed your rosary today?