I am Who May Be

The texts today from the Roman Catholic Lectionary offer an opportunity to expand our view of God. Moses is instructed by God to go to the Pharaoh and demand the release of the Israelites from Egypt. The leaders of Israel are to be told that ‘I AM WHO I AM’ has sent Moses. This is the name that Moses understands when he asks God “What is his name?” Irish philosopher, Richard Kearney, has written and spoken about another translation of the answer to Moses “I am Who May Be” The psalmist praises the faithfulness of God to the Covenant. The promises made to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob which are mentioned to Moses in the dialogue from the Book of Exodus are extolled. In addition, the psalmist recalls the great works in the “land of Ham” (Egypt) which resulted in the freedom of Israel. Matthew shares Jesus statements of reassurance that the burdens and responsibilities of living are the experiences today of the continuing sustaining of people in relationship with the Divine. The freedom from oppression and death accomplished through Moses in the ancient land of Ham is the continuing grace of God in which our indwelling Spirit resonates with the Spirit of God.