Our Vocation is to Reflect the Mercy of God!

July 30, 2025 Wednesday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time
Daily Readings: Exodus 34:29–35; Matthew 13:44–46
The surface of the moon is actually dark and rocky, yet it shines brightly at night because it reflects the light of the sun. In the same way, Moses, having spent forty days and nights in the presence of God—the Light and the Creator of Light—comes down from Mount Sinai with his face radiant. God spoke to him face to face, and though Moses is unaware of his glowing appearance, Aaron and the people notice it immediately.
This transformation reminds us: anyone who has spent time in God’s presence cannot remain the same. Those specially called to dwell in the sanctuary are expected to reflect God’s presence in their demeanor. The faces of those immersed in long hours of meditation and prayer often radiate peace and serenity. The halo in the images of saints symbolizes this spiritual brilliance. While our faces may not literally glow, our lives must become a source of light for those living in darkness.
Moses also brings with him the two tablets of the covenant, affirming his role as the great lawgiver.
In today’s Gospel (Matthew 13:44–46), Jesus shares two brief parables about the Kingdom of Heaven. One man finds a treasure in a field and sells everything to buy that field. Another seeks fine pearls and, upon finding one of great value, sells all he owns to possess it.
The message is simple yet profound: the Kingdom of Heaven is worth more than anything else we can ever possess. Just as collectors in Jesus’ time pursued pearls, and others today chase after stamps, antiques, or rare artifacts, these parables challenge us to examine what we value most. Do we truly regard the Kingdom of Heaven as our greatest treasure?
Call to Action: We chase what we deem precious. Today, I must ask myself—what do I treasure the most? Can I let go of all else for the sake of the Kingdom?
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.