August 3, 2023, Thursday of the seventeenth week in Ordinary time (

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 "But if the cloud did not lift, they would not go forward; only when it lifted did they go forward. In the daytime, the cloud of the LORD was seen over the Dwelling; whereas at night, fire was seen in the cloud."

What is this ‘cloud’?

It is the presence of the Holy Spirit. The glory of God is manifested in the form of a cloud by day, fire by night as He accompanied the Israelites through the desert.

From this passage, it is very clear that the cloud provides the direction and the directive – to go forward or to stay on. It is also the protector, the fire in the cloud at night would keep enemies away. It is a source of security and comfort for the Israelites.

In the Transfiguration event, we hear God’s voice speaking through the cloud, declaring Jesus as His beloved Son. At the ascension event, we see Jesus being taken up in a cloud.

And from the readings of Exodus, we can understand that the cloud, representing the Holy Spirit of God, is powerful, constant, and unwavering in its purpose. Yet this third person of the Holy Trinity is most neglected in our personal prayers although consistently invoked in our liturgical prayers.

Personally, I have always wanted to increase my devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and to the Holy Spirit. Although I pray to Jesus most of the time and pray the rosary daily, I feel I am still lacking in these two relationships, which are prominently helpful to advance me towards holiness and assist me in my ministry.

Israel was guided and led by the Holy Spirit on their journey to the promised land. The new Israel, the Church, is also guided by the Holy Spirit on her journey towards Parousia, the promised second coming of Christ.

We may not see the form of a cloud accompanying us on this journey, because we now have the Holy Eucharist, rising to bless us and made possible to walk with us intimately as we walk through life. 

If only we are more conscious and consistent in invoking the Holy Spirit to assist us in our daily affairs, decisions and avoidance of sin, our life will truly be a walk in the clouds, always joyful and blissful, full of God’s love and secure with God’s protection.

It is not difficult, so let us live our lives in the spirit, connecting always with the Holy Spirit, who journeys with the church till we arrive at the eternal heavens.

Come, Holy Spirit, come. Amen.


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