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Monday, August 9, 2004

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St. Edith Stein


Ezekiel 1:2-5, 24-28
Psalm 148
Matthew 17:22-27

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how could you!

"Above the firmament over their heads something like a throne could be seen, looking like sapphire. Upon it was seated, up above, One Who had the appearance of a man." —Ezekiel 1:26

Ezekiel saw in a vision a stupendous, moving, multi-colored, fiery, angelic chariot (see Ez 1:2ff). Above this was the firmament, and above the firmament was a throne on which sat God surrounded by a rainbow in glory (Ez 1:28). God is far beyond anything we can imagine (see Is 55:8-9). He is transcendent and awesome.

Considering Who God is, we are shocked that God ever created us or has anything to do with us. We exclaim with the psalmist: "What is man that You should be mindful of him, or the son of man that You should care for him?" (Ps 8:5) Moreover, we are more than shocked at the fact that God not only cares about man but even became a human being. Can you fathom the awesome God in Ezekiel's vision being a Baby born in a stable at Bethlehem? How could the all-holy God humorously pay the temple tax with a coin from a fish's mouth? (see Mt 17:27) How can the God of infinite majesty and power let Himself be hated, tortured, and nailed to a cross by His little creatures?

God's nature is beyond words and images. Moreover, His Incarnation, the gift of Himself to us, should leave us trembling in awe and joy. Thank and worship the Lord forever for His Incarnation.

Prayer:  Father, may Your mercy leave me speechless and motivate me to give my life totally to You.

Promise:  "Such was the vision of the likeness of the glory of the Lord." —Ez 1:28

Praise:  St. Edith gave up a successful academic career, converted to the Catholic faith, and entered the religious life so she could completely devote herself to Jesus.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Richard L. Klug, January 16, 2004


Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, January 26, 2004