During life, everyday situations during the normal times of constant crisis and chaos, we have insights to opportunities that make us feel the presence of the Holy Spirit God in action. When Moses looked upon the “Burning Bush” and saw that the fire was boldly burning but the bush was not being consumed, Moses was amazed and looked to it as a dazzling event. The Greek word metanoia defines something that changes your heart and soul.
The Word of God has the power to change us. Hebrews 4:12-13 says “Indeed, the Word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart. No creature is concealed from him, but everything is naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must render an account.” God uses the very ordinary things in life and ordinary people to do the extraordinary.
Watching the Phillies pitcher, Michael Lorenzen, throw a “No Hitter” was one such opportunity for me to see the work of God in someone life. Again, God uses the very ordinary things in life and ordinary people to do the extraordinary. It was during the interview after the game that gives me this insight. He spoke how im-portant it was for him to keep focus on God’s plan for him. He was being pushed to become a relief pitcher for other major league baseball organizations. But his inner spirit told him that he wanted to be a pitcher who would be a starter and work the whole game.
So, he was traded to the Phillies and in only his 2nd game he pitches a “No Hitter”. That was very significant but during the after-game interview he gave praise to his relationship with God in his life and how important his family was to him that was extraordinary. His humbleness was refreshing and strengthening to me because he directed the praise and honor to God and his family and not to himself. It was a “Burning Bush” mo-ment due to the way Michael Lorenzen’s reflection focused on his spirituality being very significate to him and his family. Humility is a God given gift that needs to be exercised every day of our lives. Saint Augustine said “Let us learn, or let us hold fast, humility. If we have it not yet, let us learn it; let us not lose it.”
A second situation that happened gave me an additional “Burning Bush” moment. God uses the very ordi-nary things in life and ordinary people to do the extraordinary. To take times of crisis and chaos to help trans-form people, families, communities and culture. The tragedy of the Maui, Hawaii fires, destruction and loss of life has made an impact on the world. During the aftermath of this heart wrenching event we have witness a “Burning Bush” moment. To see how the community is responding to help others and to survive has demonstrated the Holy Spirit of God in action.
Please take moment to have a “Burning Bush” moment, to allow your humility to give you the insight that God wants you to have about your life. To focus on the word of God in action. To see how God uses the very ordinary things in life and ordinary people to do the extraordinary.
Deacon Joe Rafferty
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