The Liturgy of the Word this Sunday speaks of “fraternal correction.” That is, winning our brothers and sisters back to the Lord. The prophet Ezekiel was one of those who had been brought captive to Babylon after the fall of Jerusalem in the year 597 BC. The Jews hoped for a quick turnaround from their captivity. Ezekiel constantly reminded them to mend their ways, to drop their superstitious belief of the protective power of the TEMPLE, moral change was necessary. He warned them to wake up and mend their evils ways, but at the same time encouraged them not to despair because God will restore Israel in time.

The prophet Jeremiah had a timid and introspective disposition, yet God had chosen this wonderful prophet; “I place my words into your mouth!” says the Lord. Jeremiah led a lonely life, he never married, and was avoided by friends, priests and relatives because of his being a prophet and his mission. He was not a very popular prophet of his time, because nobody wants to be blamed for their sins. Jeremiah carried many crosses, he was arrested, put in jail, in an empty cistern and constantly had fear for his life. In spite of the many hardships, he continued to preach the word of God, and preached the truth.

Paul was the greatest missionary to the gentiles, he visited as many places or communities as he could, each place is different, this was the cross of Paul. He literally had to know more about every community he established to be an effective preacher to them. In Rome, he tells his readers that Christian life is our confirmation and pronouncement of what we believe. That is why Christians consecrate their bodies and their whole being to God.

After removing Shebna from his position of authority, the Lord chose Eliakim and was given the keys to the palace of King Hezekiah and made Prime Minister or vizier. A vizier is the 2nd in authority after the king. Like the Egyptian vizier, a Jewish vizier was the master of the palace and the highest official in the Jewish Kingdom next only to the king. He is entrusted with the key to the palace, he controlled those who enter and leave the place. Alluding to Mt. 16:19, Peter implicitly is like the ancient Jewish vizier given the keys of the Kingdom of God, “I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Peter is the rock, on which the church is built and to whom the key to gates of the Kingdom is given, he has the power to bind or to loosen, or has the power of who will be admitted or denied entrance to the Kingdom of God.

The readings this Sunday present three different kinds of encounter with God. Elijah meets the Lord in Mt. Horeb, the mountain of God. Paul in the letter to the Romans meets the Lord Jesus in his conscience. And the Apostle Peter, his boldness strikes again meets Him walking on the waters. Three different people, three different encounters, as we ponder on these, let us examine our own personal encounter with God, an experience into the presence of the living God.

Man, by nature is created with an inner longing for the divine, for God. St. Augustine says, man was created by God with a vacuum or a void in the heart. Because of this man seeks to fill this vacuum, a longing that only God can fill. But God is awesome wonder, power and majesty that surpasses human quantity and quality; it is said that even a glimpse of Him will be too overwhelming for us. In the presence of God, man experiences a combination of attraction and fear. Yet, it is good to be with God. There is nothing and no one better in life than God. And His goodness is more than we can bear. “But you cannot see my face, for no one can see me and live.” (Ex. 33:20) At Mt. Tabor, during the Transfiguration of the Lord, Elijah was one of the witnesses of Jesus’ glory, long before he had a mysterious encounter with God on Mt. Horeb. Elijah was expecting a spectacular phenomenon will happen, how will God manifest Himself? Sometimes we expect God to come down with power and majesty and solve all the problems of the world. Elijah’s encounter with the Lord was a profound revelation of how God makes Himself known. He makes Himself known to Elijah in “a tiny whispering sound.” But still God is present, speaking quietly and intimately with him. Immediately, Elijah hides his face, no one is worthy to meet God face to face and live. He simply goes to stand in the presence of God’s whispering sound, and listens to the message of God.

Brothers and Sisters,

When I set foot at St. Rose Parish three years ago and met parishioners, my impression was that this is such an amazing Parish. The Parish community was very welcoming and supportive. I did not find it hard to adjust, thinking of the proverbial phrase FIRST IMPRESSION IS LASTING. The spirit of the community has captured my heart, which makes me say, if I had my choice I would not wish to be transferred. Things have changed and circumstances are beyond my control, many times to our dismay. There are reasons why things happen which God knows and allows, and we human beings cannot but wonder and ultimately submit to His will. My transfer to the Salt Lake City Diocese is Gods will and as a priest I am dutybound to follow it. Our life as priest is a total dedication and submission to God’s plan. We come and go according to God’s bidding.