July 24, 2025 Thursday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Daily Readings: Exodus 19:1–2, 9–11, 16–20b; Matthew 13:10–17
We often speak about dress codes and protocols when attending a conference, job interview, or meeting an important dignitary. But what if that VIP happens to be God Himself, who comes to dwell among us?
In today’s first reading, the Lord instructs Moses to consecrate the people of Israel in preparation for His divine encounter on Mount Sinai. Consecration means to belong wholly to the Lord. It is a rite of purification and dedication—a sacred act of being set apart from the profane and made ready for divine communion through prayers and rituals.
This moment emphasizes God’s holiness and His desire for inner purity from His people—not merely ceremonial cleanliness. The Lord comes down in thunder and lightning, veiled in a thick cloud, manifesting His majesty. As Moses ascends the mountain, the people wait reverently at its base. God’s presence demands preparedness of heart and soul.
In the Gospel, Jesus calls His disciples blessed. Why? Because they have the privilege of seeing and hearing what generations of prophets and righteous people longed for but did not receive. While He speaks in parables to the crowds, Jesus explains everything privately to His disciples. He is shaping them into a community rooted in His presence—Christ-centered, Eucharist-centered, and mission-centered.
This private teaching is not about exclusivity, but about formation. The disciples are entrusted with the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven. They are invited to go beyond superficial hearing and develop a deep receptivity to God’s Word. Jesus is calling them—and us—to move from passive listening to active response.
There is always a dynamic tension between God’s revelation and human responsibility. The Lord continues to reveal Himself to those who are purified in heart, prepared in spirit, and open in will.
Call to Action: God still speaks—often in subtle, quiet ways. But am I ready, purified, and present to listen? What inner preparation must I undertake to truly welcome God's voice in my life? Let my heart be a sanctuary, ready to receive the Word and respond with commitment.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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