This is a reflection on the Mass readings of the day.
They say that it is uncanny how often a dog bears striking physical resemblance to its master.
You are what you eat, they say.
The simple reality is that our relationship with the world around us shapes us and becomes part of what we are. It doesn’t fundamentally adulterate our human essence, of course; but it does mold that essence.
And as such, what we dedicate our hearts, minds, priorities to can ennoble us, or conversely can cheapen us. We’ve all seen the negative manifestation of this. A man gives himself over to obsessive gambling, or drink, or promiscuity. Every aspect of his manner of seeing, processing, reacting to the world becomes insipid, cheap, unworthy. Or, a young lady falls in with the wrong crowd of friends. Her outlook becomes cynical; her behavior reflects quiet despair.
Moses shows us the upside of this phenomenon in today’s first reading, however, as do all the saints throughout the history of the Church. When Moses emerges from the presence of God, his face is radiant–so radiant, that he ultimately puts a veil over it to keep it from becoming an ongoing distraction. Moses is ennobled by that to which he chooses to give his heart: by God Himself.
Giving the focus of our hearts to God through prayer, the sacraments, and the way we live our lives takes discipline, and it can prove difficult and even discouraging, as it did for Moses. But it also raises us above ourselves, and ultimately fills us with a joy that is greater than what anything merely natural can produce.
In today’s gospel, Jesus talks about the Kingdom of God as the treasure for which it is worthwhile to sell everything. Our relationship with the Lord, which makes our soul blindingly radiant and raises and ennobles all that we are, is that treasure.
Ideas for conversation with the Lord: Ask Jesus to fill your whole being with the radiance enjoyed by Moses: The glory of being close to Him. Tell Him that He is your pearl of great price, for which you happily give all other treasures in your life.
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