Moses as we all know based on the previous readings we've had is considered a friend of God and was able to talk to God face to face. These should further inspire not only me but the rest of us in maintaining and constantly conversing with God to improve our relationship with God in each passing day. We often get disappointed when we look at the rate we are going and find ourselves still lacking. But what's most important and of great consolation is the fact that God never gives up on us. Despite our shortcomings He continues to stir us to our eternal goals in every possible way especially through the people whom we meet. Today’s 1st reading brought back memories of Sister Carmen Julia and Monica and our very interesting and grace filled conversation that centers most on vocations. When Sis Marcy asked Sister Carmen Julia what made her decide to enter the convent and become a nun, she simply answered that she felt it all along in her heart even when she was still very young. She said that the feeling just never left her and was there all the time. She felt restless until she finally succumbed to it. But she also said that nothing is 100% sure until the day we die. Only when that time comes we'll we be sure. Maybe what she was trying to say is that when we come face to face with God on that final day then only will there be full understanding and perfect knowledge of everything. In the mean time all we have to do for now is try to give our best and 100% efforts out of our imperfect natures and uncertain offerings. What’s very interesting here is the fact that the kind words of Sister Carmen Julia regarding her impression that I look so full of God would always hold a special meaning for me in relation to this bible passage which is about Moses who had become radiant while he conversed with God. This should inspire us all to always look our best, be full of God and radiate it to others that it can not be denied. Amen. Hallelujah!
Exodus 34:29-35
29 As Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the commandments in his hands, he did not know that the skin of his face had become radiant while he conversed with the LORD...
We must be cleansed of impurities, stains of our sins, must be sanctified and not be like white washed tombs. Sins are offenses against a person, society and God. They vary in their degree. Here are the impurities that must be cleansed:
1. Venial sins that have not been forgiven (CCC 1472;1862) 2. Mortal sins (CCC 1857-1859) (1 Jn. 5:16-17) a violation of the 10 commandments, serious in nature, full knowledge, deliberate consent and voluntary. Sins that lead to death. God knows our heart, to whom much is given more is expected. No one is deemed ignorant in the conscience of the Law. There are 2 types of ignorance: a) Vincible ignorance is something that a person can overcome since it is our responsibility to know more about our God. If we did not act on the good thing that we have access or within our means then we can not be excused from it. b) Invincible ignorance - something you can not overcome. Example: pagans who are in unreachable places. Basic goodness is inculcated by God in every person. Our conscience dictates us to worship our Creator.
2.Sins that have not been fully atoned for. We must repair the consequences of our sins. We should fully pay for it. In Luke 19:8 Zacchaeus said, "Listen Sir, I'll give 1/2 of my possessions to the poor and if I have cheated anyone, I'll pay him back 4x as much." The consequences of sin are guilt and punishment due to sin (CCC 1473) and also in 2 Samuel 11-12 when David repented of his grievous sins of adultery and murder but also suffered its consequences.
Here are some objections on Purgatory:
1. It adds to the finished work of Christ.
Atty. Moya the speaker explained that the death and suffering of Jesus on the cross was already enough and doesn't need to add anything more to it but compared it to a cleansing formula or soap made available to all where we can draw from the same saving grace of God that can cleanse us all.
2. It is inconsistent with a loving, merciful God.
We should think of purgatory as a means that God gives us so that not just a few but many can enter the Kingdom of Heaven
3. It is a 2nd chance after death. We know this is not true since once we died then that's the end of it but purgatory serves as a cleansing state although we died in the grace of God some impurities and stains are still not totally purified and cleansed. An example cited here is stealing a $100 and asking forgiveness but there is still a need to return what was stolen.
4. No biblical basis. The following bible passages help explain the existence of purgatory. (1 Cor 3:11-15; 2 Mac 12:42-46; Mt. 18:34 (Parable of the Unforgiving Servant) "Pay up for whatever he owe until he paid the last penny" )
Indulgences are what we gain for our own purification and for the purification of the souls in purgatory (CCC 1471) It helps us in our spiritual life and promotes charity. It was recommended that we make a conscious effort to always offer our good works and prayers to have the intention to gain indulgences. There are 2 kinds: Plenary and partial. In order to benefit from it then we must be in state of grace, go to confession and receive Holy Communion. Biblical basis is Mt. 16:19 (CCC 1478) Keys of heaven entrusted to the head of the Church which allows to permit or prohibit on earth and in heaven. It spurs us to always be in the grace of God.
Psalm 99:5. 6. 7. 8. 9
R: Holy is the Lord our God.
5 Extol the LORD, our God, and worship at his footstool; holy is he! (R) 6 Moses and Aaron were among his priests, and Samuel, among those who called upon his name;..From the pillar of cloud he spoke to them; they heard his decrees and the law he gave them. (R) 8 O LORD, our God, you answered them; a forgiving God you were to them, though requiting their misdeeds...
When you've found the joy of praising, serving and loving God above anything and made it a common occurrence in your daily life, just like a thread embedded in the fabric of your life then the kingdom of heaven is at hand. We are all called to develop this kind of relationship with God as our Father, Brother, Lover, Comforter and Friend. Just think about it, is there anything more you can ask for? Let us not hold back and do anything for the love of God. I believe in the saying, "Where your heart is, there your treasure is." Each person is unique. We all have our own peculiarities and that's how we are able to express ourselves as a human being. Each person has his or her own qualities and characteristics that separate us from the rest. For some it could be a certain quality like cooking, athletics, writing, dancing, singing, speaking, painting, sketching, or the present work we do and all other talents we could think about. Whatever it is that we are good in doing or we have dedicated and engaged ourselves in, we should always put God in the center of whatever we have chosen to do. We need to find out what our core gift is and develop it. There should not be a trace of holding back or hesitation on our part but rather invest everything in it and give it our all to bring out the best in us and reflect the glory of God. It is not easy to be molded like clay. If there’s one thing that stopping us from becoming what God has meant us to be it is our free will because we can say yes and no to God. It is important that we do not lose sight of the truth that we are created in God's mastery and expertise and we are His masterpiece, a genuine work of His hands. If we can confidently and honestly say after careful examination of our lives that we are indeed the product of God's hands then we can stand firm on that dreary day mentioned in today's gospel. Once we've realized and lived this truth in the gospel then we can consider ourselves as the wealthiest man on earth. There is no other treasure and fine pearl more precious than God who is with and in us. Amen. Hallelujah!
Matthew 13:44-46
44 Jesus said to his disciples: “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. 45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. 46 When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it.”
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