MOUNTAIN RANGE

“He came to Horeb, the mountain of God.” –Exodus 3:1

Mass Readings: July 19
First: Exodus 3:1-6,9-12; Resp: Psalm 103:1-4,6-7; Gospel: Matthew 11:25-27

Listen to the Mass Readings

There are many mountains in life. For example, Mount Gerizim is the mountain of blessings for God’s obedient people, while Mount Ebal is the mountain of curses (Dt 27:12-13). Mount Sinai (Horeb) is the mountain of the commandments (Ex 19:2ff), and Mount Carmel is the mountain of restoring our covenant with God and overcoming idolatry and false prophets (1 Kgs 18:19ff). Ultimately, Jesus wants us to walk with Him to Mount Calvary, by which we draw “near to Mount Zion and the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem” (Heb 12:22).

To start climbing God’s mountain range, we need to begin as Moses began – on Mount Horeb (Ex 3:1). There we see God in the burning bush (Ex 3:2-4). We see God consuming us by the fire of His love (see Heb 12:29). On Mount Horeb, we hear God call our names (Ex 3:4) and reveal to us His name (Ex 3:14). Mount Horeb is holy ground (Ex 3:5). Here we take off our shoes (Ex 3:5) and humble ourselves. On Mount Horeb, we enter into the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom (Ps 111:10) and of much of the Christian life. On Mount Horeb, God calls us to set His people free.

Climb Mount Horeb. Hear your Father call you by name.

PRAYER: Father, after beginning at Horeb, may I end at Zion.
PROMISE: “No one knows the Son but the Father, and no one knows the Father but the Son – and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal Him.” –Mt 11:27
PRAISE: Tithing led Anthony to almsgiving and to ever-growing faith