Mary, Mother of God

Numbers 6:22-27

Aaron’s blessing asks for 3 things from God: Protection, Grace, and Peace.

The Pentateuch Blessing by Priests (6:22–27)

three gifts which sum up man’s aspirations and which God alone can provide in all their fullness

Emmanuel, “God is with us”. Jesus, “Yahweh is salvation”. God Himself changes His own name, and we know in Scripture when a person’s name is changed by God then that person’s role/duties are changed as well.

God goes from Yahweh, the Father of Israel, to God is with us. He had been with Israel since their beginning, like the pillar of fire and the pillar of smoke as seen in Exodus while the people are journeying to the Promised Land.

But now He changes His name… changes His role… changes His duties. Not only would God literally walk among us in the Person of Jesus, but later on He would send His Holy Spirit to “Be with us.” God continues to, “Be with us,” constantly. This is a gift beyond all telling.

And like all gifts over time it is taken for granted. This is one of the greatest wounds that Original Sin has inflicted on us.

Satan wanted us to never be happy and joyful. To never be satisfied.

Look at the contradiction between God and humanity.

God lives a harsh life while on Earth, and yet is fully satisfied, happy, and joyful. Even while being scourged…, even when His foster father, St. Joseph dies..., even when the people of Israel lose faith in Jesus at the tomb of Lazarus..., and even when the people of Israel lose faith in God the Father and he cries in the Garden of Gethsemane while looking across the Kidron Valley at Jerusalem.

Then look at us: our lives are pretty stable, with good food readily available, and we have good health, generally speaking. We are most of us comfortable in our lives, sometimes to the point of being out of touch with those who struggle in this life. We don’t face to much anti-Catholic discrimination, especially at the the local level of our day to day lives. We aren’t being physically harassed or asked to prove our allegiance to the United States rather than our faith.

That leads me to the idea of

When was the last time you really thought God was with you. I mean really really thought God was with you?

It’s similar to asking yourself when was the last time I exercised? Ate a green leafy vegetable? Called with mom & dad? Actually spoke to a friend face to face, and not over the phone/text/facetime, etc.?

It has probably been longer than you thought.

1. Summary of the situation 2. Cleary state the idea (what do I want them to take away) 3. Explain the idea (Tell a story or two, aka the points) 4. What's the benefit to you for accepting the idea (maybe not a benefit but could be a take away ... Eg am I reflecting on my sin's of omission) (This will give you joy, peace of mind, happiness, time for whatever) 5. Close the sale... This is what I want you to do.... WILL YOU DO THIS.. .ASK YOURSELF THAT NOW