First reading
Exodus 40:16-21,34-38
The tabernacle is set up
Moses did exactly as the Lord had directed him. The tabernacle was set up on the first day of the first month in the second year. Moses erected the tabernacle. He fixed the sockets for it, put up its frames, put its crossbars in position, set up its posts. He spread the tent over the tabernacle and on top of this the covering for the tent, as the Lord had directed Moses. He took the Testimony and placed it inside the ark. He set the shafts to the ark and placed the throne of mercy on it. He brought the ark into the tabernacle and put the screening veil in place; thus he screened the ark of the Lord, as the Lord had directed Moses.
The cloud covered the Tent of Meeting and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. Moses could not enter the Tent of Meeting because of the cloud that rested on it and because of the glory of the Lord that filled the tabernacle.
At every stage of their journey, whenever the cloud rose from the tabernacle the sons of Israel would resume their march. If the cloud did not rise, they waited and would not march until it did. For the cloud of the Lord rested on the tabernacle by day, and a fire shone within the cloud by night, for all the House of Israel to see. And so it was for every stage of their journey. The word of the Lord!
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 83(84):3-6,8,11
Gospel
Matthew 13:47-53
Matthew 13:47-53
Jesus said to the crowds: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet cast into the sea that brings in a haul of all kinds. When it is full, the fishermen haul it ashore; then, sitting down, they collect the good ones in a basket and throw away those that are no use. This is how it will be at the end of time: the angels will appear and separate the wicked from the just to throw them into the blazing furnace where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth.
‘Have you understood all this?’ They said, ‘Yes.’ And he said to them, ‘Well then, every scribe who becomes a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out from his storeroom things both new and old.’ The Gospel of the Lord!
Reflections
“Moses did exactly as the Lord had directed him…and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.” I try to imagine and picture the event of the first reading; as the glory of the Lord traveled with the Israelites. Unfortunately, my imagination is not rich enough to picture what took place. What we are made to understand is that fulfilling the will of God was the key event that started the year of the Israelites and God journeyed along with them. And this is what Moses prayed for in the earlier chapter.
So, I ask myself, what do I pray for? And do I do exactly as the Lord directs me so as to receive the answers to my prayers? Do I put God first in all things? Remember, obedience is better than sacrifice. Do exactly what the Lord has directed you to do and your prayers would receive speedy answers; and you shall enjoy the glory of the Lord.
And yes, the Lord still speaks to us today. Especially as he has requested us to seek the Kingdom of heaven. Today we are told that seeking heaven is like taking stock of our lives: searching through old and new things; and doing away with the rubbish and evil things. May God give us the grace to do as his words directs and may your glory fall upon our lives.
Prayers
Father Lord, I thank you today for your wondrous love; have mercy on me and be my constant guide. Help me to do your will always and let your glory fall on me, my family, friends and country; I ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen!
Speechless…