On Holy Ground

“God called out to [Moses] from the bush, "Moses! Moses! . . . Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground” (Exodus 3:4, 5).

From a distance, mountains stand majestically against the horizon. Walk on those same mountains and they appear unremarkable – layered with rocks, shrubs, trees, grasses and wild flowers.

From a distance, I'm sure the mountain mentioned here in Exodus appeared majestic. Up close, as Moses shepherded his sheep, I'm equally sure the mountainside appeared as unremarkable as any other.

But then God entered the unremarkable -- and His presence transformed it into a holy place. And Moses "hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God” (Exodus 3:6).

Fear is a good starting place when it comes to being in God’s presence.

Fear.

And reverence.

All Christians have the privilege to meet God in prayer and through the Scriptures. However, Catholic Christians recognize we also meet God physically, as Moses did – not in a burning bush, but in the consecrated bread and cup. “The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ?” St. Paul reminded the Corinthians. “The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ?” (1 Corinthians 10:16).

When we approach Christ in the bread, it is appropriate to bow in reverence before Him. And when we approach, or pass by Christ in the cup, He is no less present.

And we are still on holy ground.