Maybe when we think of the story of Carmel, our individual stories and those of our deep tradition, Elijah comes to mind as the great Old Testament character. And it is true, for me and I guess for you too, that in his story we find moments where his hope in God, and God’s promise sustains, strengthens and deepens his relationship with the same living God. But recently, and especially during this time of Lent, Moses has come to the forefront of my prayer and reflection. Maybe because in his story we find a person carried by hope into a new encounter with God. An encounter that attracts, sustains and liberates. I think his story, as we read it in Exodus 3:1-4, reminds us that the spark of hope which God plants in our daily lives has the power to consume us and changes our vision of the world.
Moses encounters the burning bush, something strange in the corner of his eye. A bush consumed by fire yet not destroyed. As St. John of the Cross would say, it is enflamed, consumed by God’s presence but not destroyed. What does that say of the effect God’s presence has in the human heart I wonder? We could say that it is the flame of hope, the promise of the relationship to come.
The burning bush is not directly in front of him. We heard from the story of Moses that he was busy tending the sheep of his Father-in-law. In the encounter, he is attracted. Drawn to this presence above the day-to-day activity. I don’t know about you but when something attracts me, it is because it appears good. The hope of more entices us and draws us in. Obviously, we must discern the true nature of this attraction, but if God is its source, then the initial spark of hope fans into a flame that deep desire within us.
Following the attraction, Moses is welcomed into a new relationship with the God of his ancestors. The God who lives, desires an encounter, is attracted to and finally initiates a new relationship with Moses. For us as Carmelites, and indeed as Christians, the God of Moses and Elijah has a human face – Jesus Christ. The invitation to a new relationship which we have heard spoke to Moses from the burning bush now speaks to us directly in the words of Jesus – come, follow me (Matt 4:19).
Do we accept the invitation? Do we recognise that in this relationship is the fulfilment of all our hopes?
It is always around this time of Lent that I remember being in my early 20’s and visiting Aylesford, aware of the attraction and the desire to say yes to what God was asking of me, but not really sure if I should take the risk. Until, at the celebration of the Eucharist the 2nd reading came from St. Paul’s letter to the Philippians (3:7-14). Needless to say, I eventually took the risk, and began to place all of my hope in what God was asking of me. But it was not without quiet reflection on what that would mean. Wondering where this encounter would lead. St. Paul tells us,
‘I regard everything as loss because of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord […] Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal, but I press on to lay hold of that for which Christ has laid hold of me […] I press on towards the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus’.
In his words to the Philippians, I hear the story of Moses. Paul recognises that he has been captured by the love of God, his encounter with that love lays hold of him, he can’t and does not want to escape from it. But this initial encounter does not end, or grow old, for our God is a dynamic, ever-calling God. St. Paul is drawn like the runner of a race, attracted constantly by the hope of the ultimate prize which lays at the finish line. And the new relationship? It is much bigger than simply between St. Paul and God, it extends to all of us through his words, through his ministry throughout the world. Inspiring each of us by making us aware of that same spark of hope which waits patiently to be encountered by our hearts.
And now, as a Carmelite friar, I have also not finished the race (and at times feel as though I have only just started!) I press on in hope, because I know that in God and God’s love for me, I will find the relentless invitation to a new relationship. And this does nothing but constantly attract me.
Matthew Janvier O.Carm
