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ACROSS Our Diocese
What do Moses, David and St Paul all have in common?
Reflection on Exodus 2: 1-5
By Barry Finch
Diocesan President, St Vincent de Paul Society
They all killed people or at
least, were responsible for
their deaths. Ironic, isn’t it?
Three of the greatest heroes of
the faith and they all have very
muddy histories. Isn’t it amazing
how God did not give up on these
men but empowered them to turn
their lives around? On one level,
we shouldn’t be too amazed. After
all that’s what God wants to do
for everyone, isn’t it? We all have
people in our lives, who seem very
far from God, but God hasn’t lost
hope in them – and neither should
we! If God did so much for Moses,
David and Paul (Saul), he can do
the same for anyone. When people
looked at Moses they saw a man
of privilege taking advantage of
his adoptive parents. But God saw
the seeds of a humble leader and
steadfast believer and that’s what
he became. When people looked
at Saul, they saw a murderous
religious zealot. But Jesus saw an
apostle and that’s what he became.
Certainly one of Jesus greatest
gifts was to free people to live
according to their potential and
not in the prison of their past.
It is very easy to dismiss some
people – prison inmates, apathetic
youth, corrupt leaders, dishonest
politicians, drug dealers, or just
the lazy person down the street.
But you never know – one
of them may well be the next
Moses or St Paul. All they need
is someone who whole-heartedly
believes in their potential and
helps them take steps to fulfil it.
Over the course of the next
few days, try to help the people
around you see their own
potential. Thank co-workers who
go the extra mile. Point out some
of the strengths you see in your
pastor, religious or lay leaders in
your Parish. God has a perfect
plan for everybody and you may
be the one voice of encouragement
to help someone lay hold of that
plan. So see the greatness and
potential in everyone you meet –
and that’s what they will become!
Holy Spirit, give me eyes of
faith so that I can see people the
way Jesus saw them. Give me
the courage to lift others to their
full potential. Help me see in
them what Jesus sees in them.
28 AUGUST 2013 BBN
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