Music Info
Sanctus Dominus
By Margaret Rizza
River of Peace | Kevin Mayhew (Used with permission)
Script
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Today is Wednesday the 17 July, in the Fifteenth Week of Ordinary Time.
As I enter into prayer today, I slow down. I slow right down and notice where I am, I notice what is around me, and I notice who is around me, the people here, what they look like, what they are doing, the expressions on their faces. In all of this, God is present. Right here, right now. God’s presence sanctifies this ordinary place, and these ordinary people, and makes them holy.
Today’s reading is from the Book of Exodus.
In the ancient world, fire was a mysterious presence from another world, a corridor between heaven and earth. It was fire which consumed the sacrifice, taking it to God’s abode. To this day, we often use a candle to signify that God is present. A burning bush on God’s holy mountain serves as a powerful reminder to Moses of a forgotten truth – that God is here, with us, in our world, seeking to draw men and women into relationship with Himself.
So today I ask myself, when have I found myself powerfully reminded that God was with me? ...When have I heard God call my name? What helps put me in touch with that presence?
As you hear the passage again now, notice how the sense of presence is also a challenge, a mission for Moses. He is already a shepherd, a guide, but what is being asked of him now is a lot more than he is used to. Is this also part of your recent experience of God’s presence?
Moses speaks intimately to God, expressing his doubts and concerns without any hint of embarrassment: take a few moments now to do the same, to get that same kind of conversation going with God.