Deuteronomy, Chapter 5, Verse 4-6
4 Face to face, the LORD spoke with you on the mountain from
the midst of the fire, 5 while I was standing between the LORD and you at that time, to announce
to you these words of the LORD, since you were afraid of the fire and would not go up the mountain: 6 I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of
Egypt, out of the house of slavery.
Today is Labor Day and therefore
now would be a good day to reflect on how our labor can be slavery or it can be
a joy. In the end you are responsible for your own happiness. The fire on the
mountain was not an impediment to the Israel people coming to God; it was their
excuse. The secret of success is finding out our vocation from God and
following it. When we follow God’s guidance to the do the work he has intended
for us, we are like the tree that Moses saw that brought him into the service
of the Lord. We will burn but not be consumed! Then, when others see our work
and wonder at our joy in slavery to the Lord they too will come to know that “His
burden is light.” (Mt. 11-30)
Many years ago, I also,
like the people of Israel was afraid of the fire; and refused to go up on the
mountain. Yes, I was called to the priesthood. I was afraid of the fire. I made
all the excuses: I am not worthy, I want a wife; I want children. I turned away
and the life I thought would be a joy was unsatisfying. Yet, the Lord did not
abandon me; He has never chided me; no only I have chided myself. He has made
good out of all I have shattered with my selfishness. This is the challenge of
the cross that when we fall, and we will fall; that we pick the cross up again
and drink the cup the Lord has given us to the dregs. How committed are you to discovering
and following Jesus?
My sheep hear my voice,
says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me. (Jn: 10:27) Are you destined to become a courtier in the court of the King of Kings?
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