Most of us would be frightened out of our wits if a booming voice were to speak to us from a burning bush. And yet Moses doesn't seem overly surprised - more curious than anything. But the voice is insistent: this is an encounter with the divine. Such an encounter is never just for ourselves but for the good of all and this one is no exception. Moses is missioned by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, a mission that he is not very happy to receive. God can reveal Himself to us too, though probably not in so dramatic a form. The ground upon which we stand is also holy because God dwells within us. But the same applies for those around us - the ground upon which they stand is also holy. Learning to reverence the presence of God in one another is an important lesson on our journey.

Jesus knows this and thanks God for the sort of wisdom that comes not from books, other people, culture, or authorities - but from God. We are so dependent on what others say and think - and so easily manipulated. Being born from above means learning to take off our shoes and enter into the holiness that is within us. There we will encounter God and there we will be taught, for God is within. This is our birthright - let us not give it away to anyone.