Thursday, July 30, 2015

Genesis, Chapter 31, Verse 42

If the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, had not been on my side, you would now have sent me away empty-handed. But God saw my plight and the fruits of my toil, and last night he reproached you.”

This is Jacob speaking about his treatment from his father in law Laban.  According to kabalistic sources Laban was a powerful pagan wizard. Yet, we see that Laban feared Isaac; Jacobs father because God was with him. People who know the Lord radiate a presence; it affects their whole being. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is real.

God’s Holy presence changes us physically, mentally and in a deeper sense within the heart. We are new people. In today’s reading Moses face radiated this presence so much his face had to be covered because its glowing terrified the Israelites. In earlier postings we discussed how Sarah; Abraham’s wife was exquisitely beautiful at an advanced age.

Those who radiate the presence of God seek His will. They have the right intention giving all things to God. They avoid mortal sin and obey the laws of God. They cherish God in their hearts and seek to do those things that please God. At times we find ourselves so engrossed with our day to day activities and worry about the mundane; much like yesterday’s Saint Martha forgetting “the better part”. If we are to radiate His presence we must be in His presence. Perhaps today would be a good day to develop the practice of putting one item on your daily “To Do” list that you know will please God.