Holy Ground and Unveiled Hearts—Encountering God in the Thunder and the Whisper

Exod 19:1-2.9-11.16-20b; Psalm: Dn 3; Mt 13:10-17

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, today we will reflect on encountering God in both the thunder and the whisper. We stand on holy ground, a place where the divine meets the human, and where our hearts can be unveiled to receive His presence.

Let us begin our journey in Exodus 19. Here, we witness an awe-inspiring moment in which God instructs Israel to consecrate themselves. This act of preparation is not merely a ritual. It is an invitation to draw near to the Holy One. God says to them, “Be ready for the third day.” This call to holiness reminds us of our need to set boundaries in our lives. Just as the Israelites were commanded to prepare, we too must make room in our hearts for God. In this sacred moment, the people witness the theophany of thunder and fire. God descends in a cloud filled with thunder, lightning, and the blaring of trumpets. It is a breathtaking display of divine transcendence. The very earth trembles beneath their feet. Moses stands as their mediator, foreshadowing Christ, who would ultimately bridge the gap between God and humanity. This teaches us the importance of reverence as we approach God. His holiness cannot be taken lightly.

Moving to the New Testament, we turn to Matthew 13. Here we find Jesus employing parables as a divine pedagogy. Through these stories, He reveals mysteries that are only understood by the humble and the seeking. Jesus says, “Blessed are your eyes because they see and your ears because they hear.” In a world filled with noise and distraction, do we truly listen? Are our hearts open to the whispers of God amid the clamor of our digital age? In today’s wilderness, we encounter many distractions. The thunder of social media, news cycles, and cultural pressures can drown out the soft whisper of God. We live in a time of moral confusion and relativism, where truth seems elusive. This is where personal spiritual dryness can creep in, leaving us feeling distant from God. Yet, in this chaos, God beckons us to His holy ground.

So how do we respond? First, we must consecrate our daily Sinai. This means setting apart time and space in our lives for God. Whether it is through prayer, worship, or simply sitting in silence, we create a sanctuary for His presence. Next, we must cultivate parable-ready hearts. We need to approach Scripture not just as an ancient text but as a living word. Ask God to unveil your understanding, to help you see the mysteries He wishes to reveal. With open hearts, we can glean wisdom that speaks to our lives today. Finally, we are called to become mediators like Moses. This does not mean we must stand before a mountain shrouded in clouds, but rather that we carry the love of Christ into our communities. We can be the hands and feet of Jesus, bridging the gap for others who seek Him.

So, dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, let us return to our daily lives changed. Let us stand on holy ground where we encounter God in both the thunder and the whisper. May our hearts be unveiled, ready to listen, ready to respond, and ready to share the love of our Savior with a world longing for hope. Amen.

St. Moses the Black: “The thunder at Sinai still echoes in every repentant heart. Let it shatter your idols.”

Pope St. John Paul II: “The Covenant at Sinai and the Parables of Christ reveal one truth: God seeks you.”

St. Teresa of Ávila on Sinai’s trembling:

“When God shakes your life with thunder, let it crack your pride—not your faith.”

Pope Francis on spiritual deafness:

“A heart clogged with worldliness cannot hear God. Parables cleanse our ears with holy provocation” (Angelus, 2020).

St. Thérèse of Lisieux on simplicity:

“To understand parables, be little! The proud need lightning; the child needs only Christ’s smile.”