A wonder! A bush that burns but does not burn up. Amazed, Moses decides to turn aside and “see why the bush is not burned,” an action that brings him into the presence of the God of his ancestors. God has “witnessed the affliction of my people [enslaved] in Egypt…so I know well what they are suffering.” Moved with compassion, God has come to rescue his people. To Moses, he reveals his most intimate name (EHYEH- “I Will Be” or “I am who am”)—to his people he will be called YAHWEH (“He Will Be”). Through this revelation, God displays, not only his power, but also his desire for intimate relationship with the people he will save. And the gifts did not stop there. St. Paul recounts that the Israelites received baptism “into Moses in the cloud and the sea.” They received spiritual food (manna) and spiritual drink (water from the rock). They enjoyed a closeness with their God that no other people could even have dreamed about (cf. Deut. 4:7). Yet despite this lavish care, the Israelites did not respond to God with loving trust—instead, their gratitude turned to anger and complaining at every new obstacle. Despite all the evidence to the contrary, they did not trust God or his goodness towards them. Like fig trees that bear no fruit, they were “cut down.” To us, they are a warning. What the children of Israel saw only as types and shadows, we see fully—how much more will be asked of us? “If you do not repent, you will all perish…,” Jesus says in today’s Gospel, echoing John the Baptist’s warning that every tree that does not bear fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire (Luke 3:9). To the children of Israel, God revealed his most intimate name, but to us he has revealed his Son. To us it is granted to consume Jesus himself in the guise of bread and wine. It is a staggering gift, and to the one who has been given much, much will be required. How will we respond? 

Reflection by Parishioner Kathryn Wilmotte