Ordinary Time

Pause

For something to be revealed, something has to first be unseen. It could be hidden, unnoticed, or camouflaged. When what was unseen is then revealed, we often react. Fear, awe, surprise, delight. Our emotions respond.

Open our eyes, Lord, and let us see what you would have us see. Let us see with the eyes of Christ, and let us respond with a spirit of faith.

Listen

This is why we don’t get discouraged, given that we received this ministry in the same way that we received God’s mercy. Instead, we reject secrecy and shameful actions. We don’t use deception, and we don’t tamper with God’s word. Instead, we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God by the public announcement of the truth.

2 Corinthians 4:1-2

Think

Paul wants us to live open, unveiled lives. Moses put on a veil to keep from shining out God’s glory. Paul points out a problem with this thinking. We are not keeping things hidden when we announce God’s truth in public. We do announce with our words at times, but even more with our actions.

When we remove the veil from God’s love, the world can then see that God is with us, and all creation can be transformed. How? “We reject secrecy and shameful actions. […] We don’t use deception” or “tamper with God’s word.” We proclaim in action and word the Good News that was given to us.

One of my favorite heroes of the faith is St. Francis. He was born rich and could have had most anything he wanted. He chose God instead of wealth. Francis is often quoted with instructing his followers: “Preach the Gospel at all times, when necessary use words.” Live an unveiled life, and like Moses, God will come shining through YOU.

Rock Higgins

Pray

Lord, take the veil off my life. Help me be who you made me to be. Shine your light into the shadows of my inmost self and help me clean out the cobwebs that do not belong. Amen.

Go

Open our eyes, Lord, and let us see what you would have us see. Let us see with the eyes of Christ, and let us respond with a spirit of faith.