"Show Forth My Sanctity"

Today's Mass Readings

“Because you were not faithful to me
in showing forth my sanctity before the children of Israel,
you shall not lead this community into the land I will give them.”These were God’s words not to the stiff-necked people of Israel, but, to Moses and Aaron. After all these years of Moses’ leadership and fidelity, Moses is barred by God to lead the people into the Promised Land. And this because, in skepticism, Moses struck the rock twice instead of once to provide water to a protesting people. God’s complaint against Moses and Aaron is more specific than mere infidelity. God complaint was that the failed in “showing forth my (His) sanctity before the children of Israel.” It is in this context that we must reflect on the most important question a Christian must answer in his/her life time. It is the question that Jesus, in today’s gospel reading, poses to his disciples: “Who do you say that I am?” They must answer this question if they are to become the witnesses of the “sanctity of God.” Although Peter did answer this question right by God’s grace, it took him a lifetime to understand the implications of his answer. Like Peter, every Christian must answer this question. If we do not answer this question in this life, we must in the next. Salvation cannot be won unless each person answers this question.

This brings us to the main point of today's reflection. What is the criterion by which we will be admitted into God’s presence? If today’s first reading is any indication it will be whether we “showed forth God’s sanctity before the people or not.” This is an immense responsibility. On the one hand, God trust us enough to be able to show forth God’s sanctity, on the other hand, this responsibility reveals to us our true human worth and dignity.

Does our life "show forth the sanctity of God?"