In today’s first reading from Exodus, I am struck by the fact that Moses’ life and vocation – not to mention salvation history – are changed forever because: he was aware of what was happening around him; he took the time to investigate; he was open to God; and he was willing to engage and listen.

Sure, a burning bush that doesn’t consume itself is a curiosity, but still, a burning bush is not utterly unique, and if he had been wrapped up in his own problems or thoughts, or in a hurry, he could have easily passed by, assuming the bush would soon burn up or that someone else would be along to tend to it.

How often do we pass by someone or something that could transform us, if we were open to them or it? Would God necessarily speak to us directly and give us a message as important as the message God gave Moses? Maybe not, but maybe. God does have desires and plans for each of us, just as God had desires and plans for Moses.

The night I met my husband, who was a stranger to me at the time, I was open to God’s plans for me, even though I had no idea that evening. Each of us can think back to special people and happenings in our lives that have changed us forever and brought great blessings into our lives.

When I first started my career in journalism as a photographer for the local newspaper, I encountered many amazing and some famous people. Two people that made enormous impressions upon me were the opposite of famous. One was an unassuming, elderly man who lived in a very humble home and used his meager income to buy food to feed wild birds who had come to depend on him. He was generous and kind and he touched my soul. Another person I photographed was a loving, energetic, older blind nun who lived in a contemplative community. Again, she was definitely a messenger from God, and she taught me many things about life and faith as we remained friends for years and she came to know my whole family.

Each of us have many special encounters like these, and more, if we are open and responsive to the Lord. Let us pray that we use the remaining time in Lent to reflect upon the many times God has spoken to our hearts throughout the course of our lives, and to ask for a renewed sense of the Divine here and now, and in the days and years to come.