Thursday of week 16 in Ordinary Time
Saint Charbel Makhlouf, Priest
First reading Exodus 19:1-2,9-11,16-20
Today’s reading presents a profound image of divine desire and human responsibility: God, wrapped in a dense cloud, prepares to descend upon Mount Sinai, not to remain hidden, but to draw near to His people in a way they can perceive and trust. His words to Moses, “Tell the people to prepare themselves”, highlight that this encounter is not casual, but sacred. The Lord desires communion with His people, but He also invites a response: a preparation of heart, mind, and life. It is a powerful reminder that while God is always ready to meet us, we must make room for Him through reverence, stillness, and interior readiness. On this feast of Saint Charbel Makhlouf, a priest known for his deep silence and union with God, we are reminded that true encounters with the Lord often come in moments we have carefully prepared through prayer, humility, and detachment from noise. Today, let us reflect on how we are preparing to meet the God who longs to dwell with us, and whether our inner lives are truly ready for His presence. Let’s reflect: Am I intentionally preparing my heart and life to receive God’s presence, or am I expecting His closeness without making space for Him to enter?
Don Giorgio