Sunday, 3rd Week: The Journey Home Begins Where We Are

“God said, ‘Come no nearer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.’ I am the God of your father,” he continued, “the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob.” Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.” – Exodus 3:5-6

Live fully the present moment! While we all find this appealing, many of us usually dwell in the past or worry about the future. It’s very difficult for us to let go of a past mistake or hurt; often we cling nostalgically to the goodness of a past relationship or lifestyle. Thus, we spend much time and energy complaining or comparing. And when planning for the future, as we should, we fret with anxieties and lose sleep because of worries.

Living in the present moment requires of us two disciplines: embracing our vulnerability and acting in trust. Embracing our present condition involves accepting its many unknowns and uncertainties. It can betray our need for certainty or our fear of trust. We are challenged “to let be” the different emotions that flow through us – to listen without judging ourselves to what God may reveal to us through these feelings and inner reactions. As with the burning bush, what we experience currently, however positive or negative, is “holy ground” – where God is present, speaking, and calling us.

Embracing our vulnerability enables us better to ask the question: “What am I going to do now?” That’s what God is about, our next chance to do the right thing. That’s how we know that God is “I am who am.” With God, every new decision is another chance to do the right thing, to love, to trust, to hope. We don’t get that from the other side, which fixates us in fear of repeating past mistakes or paralyzing us with unknown fears. With God, we can take the next step in hope and love, trusting that the next subsequent step will unfold.

We can begin by recalling an experience which grounds us in God’s goodness and care. We can return to a living encounter with God. Then we will have the strength to embrace our vulnerabilities in the present challenges and the grace to take the next step in trust.

"Lord, help me to be vulnerable, to trust you, and understand the present uncertainties in my life."