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Last
Sunday of Epiphany, February 22, 2004 “God
Speaks “ Fr. Louis Mahue "This is my Son, my chosen; listen to him." God
has spoken to us at different times through the ages sometimes audibly and
sometimes in dreams. o
God first spoke to Adam
and Eve. o
He again spoke to Noah.
o
After the time of the
flood he spoke to Abram
telling him to go south toward what we now know as the Jordan River. o
Later God spoke to Moses
from the burning bush. He sent Moses and Aaron to lead his chosen people from
Egyptian slavery through the Red Sea. o
He spoke to Moses
on Mount Sinai when he gave him the tablets of stone containing the Ten
Commandments. When Moses came down from Mount Sinai, his face was radiant
white and the people were frightened by his appearance. He then wore a veil
over his face so that they would not be afraid. o
God spoke again,
through the angel Gabriel, to the Virgin
Mary to tell her of the conception of Jesus. o
Through a dream, he
sent word to the wise
men warning them to not go back to tell Herod about the baby Jesus. o
Also through a dream,
Good warned Joseph
to flee to Egypt to escape from Herod's attempt to destroy the baby. o
Later at the time of Jesus'
baptism God spoke loud and clear when the heavens opened and the spirit
of God descended on him. Then there was a voice from heaven saying,
"This is my Son, the beloved, with whom I am well pleased." It was
an audible voice from heaven, and not just the wind whistling through the
trees. Today
we heard about an even more remarkable message and action by God. It happened
when Jesus took Peter, James, and John up on the mountain to pray. While
there these three disciples were treated to a wonderful
vision. While Jesus was praying his face changed. It became dazzling
white. Two men appeared, Moses and Elijah, who were talking to Christ
concerning his approaching departure, which was to take place in Jerusalem. In
seeing this vision these three disciples had a glimpse of Christ in his true glory,
a glimpse into the glory of God in Christ. All three of them saw the vision,
the same vision. Then they were over shadowed by a dark cloud, and from the
cloud they heard a voice saying, "This is my son, my chosen; listen to
him!" Once again the voice from heaven authenticating Jesus, and once
again this was heard by all three men. That was definitely more than an
accident or a coincidence. God
speaks to us in many ways. There have been a few people who have experienced
visions. Probably more have experienced dreams. It doesn't happen to every
Christian. There are good Christians who spend lifetimes working for God
without having an emotional experience; yet there are others who feel God's
touch profoundly. Personally,
I feel that God called me about seven or eight years ago in a rather violent
manner - more like a kick than a call. It can come without warning. It can
sneak up on you, but when it hits you, you'll know it. I
sometimes hear someone say that they don't know what God wants them to do,
but if they are patient the opportunity will arise. We all have different God
given gifts or talents and we can all show the light of Christ in our daily
activities. In accordance to God's commandment, "Love thy neighbor as
thyself," help your fellow men. Show your loving kindness to others and,
if they thank you, tell them it's your way of serving God. Let them know that
God is alive within you, and always be ready to respond when you hear or feel
God touching you. Your face may not become radiant white as did Moses",
but when you respond to God's touch, you will be changed. In
the name of the Father, Son & Holy Ghost.
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