17TH TUESDAY HOMILY IN ORDINARY TIME — YEAR A
17TH TUESDAY HOMILY IN ORDINARY TIME — YEAR A
HOMILY THEME: TENT OF MEETING
BY: Fr. Paul Karabari
1 John 4:7-16; Psalm 33(34):2-11; John 11:19-27
In those days: Moses used to take the tent and pitch it outside the camp, far off from the camp; and he called it the tent of meeting.
The First Reading (Exodus 33:7-11:34:5-9.28) presents what ought to be the desire of all Christians; to always be in the presence of God. This story should inspire us to appear before Our Heavenly Father daily.
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The first thing we learn is that Moses set up a place to meet consistently with God. It is crucially important that we create time and a place we can consistently seek the face of our heavenly Father. Morning Mass is the best place. Appearing before God before you appear before men daily is rewarding. We need an uninterrupted time and place to rest and be guided in His presence to face a new day. The best time to meet with God is early in the morning before the rest of the world awakens to rush and busyness.
Next, we must accept that God longs to encounter us just as deeply as He longed to encounter Moses. God loves each of us to the absolute fullest extent possible. You are created for intimacy with your heavenly Father. There is no other way to live in step with His Spirit than spending time consistently encountering His presence. Believe in His desire to encounter you, believe that He will reward you when you seek him, and believe that you will discover a deeper reality of God’s presence than you have ever encountered.
Lastly, know that as you encounter God consistently and abundantly, you will draw others to worship and seek a greater relationship with your heavenly Father. Exodus 33:10 says, “And when all the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance of the tent, all the people would rise up and worship, each at his tent door.” We are designed to encounter the presence of God. We are made to see Him face-to-face. So, living as God designed you, by consistently encountering His presence will lead others to do the same. Others will see in you what they were created for and begin to pursue deeper relationships with God. The best way to lead others to God is out of consistent encounters with Him. In encountering him, we naturally begin to become like him and therefore reveal His heart in all that we do.
Follow the example of Moses and find a consistent place to spend time seeking God’s face. Have faith that God longs to encounter you and to make himself known to you. And as you spend time in his presence, may you naturally lead others to do same. Rest in the presence of God. Spend time talking with him, receiving more of him, and being transformed by his nearness. Receive his love. Cast your burdens on him. Talk with him about anything that is weighing you down today.
While we only see a glimpse of God here on earth, a glimpse of him is unequivocally better than any other sight. A glimpse of God is more powerful than a rushing wind, more real than your own skin, more vast than the oceans put together, and more satisfying than time spent with your closest friend. Whatever longing that feels unsatisfied can be quenched with a glimpse of your God. Run to his presence when you have need, or when you feel attacked or unfulfilled. Run to your tent of meeting when you need refreshment or guidance or to talk with God. May you grow in your desire and ability to meet with your heavenly Father face-to-face, to talk with him, and to be satisfied in his love. GOD IS STILL ON THE THRONE. May God have mercy on us, heal our country, Nigeria, bless and protect us all through Christ, our Lord Amen.
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