As Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant in his hands, he did not know that the skin of his face had become radiant while he spoke with the LORD. (Ex 34:29)

In today’s first reading, we hear that Moses after speaking with the Lord on Mount Sinai, Moses’ face was radiant and his skin reflected the afterglow of God’s glory.  He had been exposed to the beautiful presence of God, and his face showed it. There was something emanating from Moses’ countenance. The Hebrew word that is usually translated as ‘radiant’ or ‘shining’ (qaran) is closely associated with the word horns (qeren). So, when St Jerome was writing the Vulgate – the late 4th-Century Latin translation of the Bible – he chose to translate the description of Moses’ face as horned (cornuta). His wording led to subsequent literal interpretations by artists who believed that Moses had actual horns protruding from his face. That explains why Michelangelo and many medieval and Renaissance artists depicted Moses as the prophet with horns. But the meaning is simply that there was something different about Moses’ face after he encountered God.  His face was reflecting the glory of God. It was clear that he had been with God. Moses bore the imprint of God’s glory. Therefore, the horn has nothing to do with the devil as some modern interpretations indicate. As Moses’ encounter with God resulted in an outward change, his face became so radiant. What about us? What happens to us when we encounter the Son of God in His words and sacraments, specially in the Eucharist? What prevents our heart from glowing? Do you truly pray the Sacraments?  Are you letting God transform you as you participate? I invite you to reflect on these questions and allow God to touch you in a personal way.

Lord, you invite all who are burdened to come to you. In that spirit, we come in prayer asking for strength, touch our hearts with your wisdom and infinite love. May the light in our heart shine before others so that they, too, may see Your glory and give You praise. Hail Mary full of grace…. St. Joseph, pray for us.

Peace in Christ,

Father Vincent-Vuong Nguyen

St. Clare of Assisi

Houston, TX