Exodus 3: “I AM”
Ascension Sunday, May 13, 2018
In order to make the traditional feast of Ascension Thursday accessible to more of the faithful, some dioceses observe its celebration on the Sunday following the customary date. Today we reflect on the message God gives to Moses through the medium of the burning bush that never burns; and over the next days, we will spend time reflecting on how God communicates with us the enormity and the mystery that is God’s love for us.
God said, “I am who I am. You must tell them: ‘The one who is called I Am has sent me to you.’ Tell the Israelites that I, the Lord, the God of their ancestors, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, have sent you to them. This is my name forever; this is what all future generations are to call me”.
“I am who am”.
What does this simplest of phrases mean for us? That all of creation announces God. That all of humanity comes from this source.
“I am who am”.
What might this simplest of phrases hold for us? God’s promise that we are never alone, and never abandoned.
“I am who am”.
What might this simplest of phrases portend for us? That we have nothing to fear and everything to expect.
“I am who am”.
Today as we contemplate God’s gift of self to each of us, we spend time with this simplest of phases as we reflect on its meaning and promise.
Image from: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bourdon,_S%C3%A9bastien_-_Burning_bush.jpg
For an explanation of the significance of the tetragrammaton YHWH, visit: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Yahweh
Mark’s Gospel is a lightning bolt paean describing the story of Jesus’ coming among us, this presence of God who longs to live among the faithful. For a reflection on this blog, visit: https://thenoontimes.com/the-book-of-our-life/the-new-testament-revising-our-suffering/mark-i-am/
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