Awareness of God's presence

 

In today's readings we hear stories of people who are unable to see the good things that God was doing for them in their lives. The first group are the Israelites whom Moses had just led out of Egypt after giving them many signs of his care for them. Pharoah now sends his soldiers after them and in their fear, the people lose their faith in God and began complaining to Moses. God through Moses shows once again that he will save the people despite their lack of faith in him. (Exodus 14:5-18). In the gospel, Jesus reprimands the scribes and Pharisees who ask for a sign from him. As a response to those examples of lack of faith, let us think of a special time during the past week when we have been aware of the presence of God. For me, I am still reliving Saturday when I drove the hundred kilometres up to Levin for the celebrations of the Colombian Day of Independence. I was amazed when I entered the hall to see the decorations; hundreds of balloons in the country's colours, flags and murals in preparation for the feast with food, music and dancing. But what really made me happy was that the united and well organized community asked to begin the celebration with mass. As we heard the gospel of Mary and Martha, I could see it happening. Like Mary, the majority were listening to the words of Jesus, while a couple of Marthas were in the kitchen preparing the food for the coming meal. Some of the refugees from Colombia and Venezuela had only been here for a few months and they were happy to be here and to have been made very welcome. God is present in so many ways in our lives. Open our eyes to see you, Lord.