The Jubilee Year is now in its halfway point. Since its beginning, we have been publishing daily reflections on the first mass reading from the pen of Father Tomáš van Zavrel. We will continue in this way until the end of the Jubilee Year. For those who have not yet subscribed and are interested: at this link, you will find the necessary information regarding free subscriptions.
The excerpt for Thursday of the 18th week in Ordinary Time (on Nm 20,1-13) offers us several lessons.
- The people of God find themselves again in Kadesh, where 40 years ago they refused to enter the Promised Land (Num 14). The same problem has arisen as before (Ex 17,1-7): there was no water. Instead of calling on God for help, they began to argue with Moses. In such a tense situation, the only solution is to resist the temptation to retaliate and see through the devil's deceit; to enter God's presence with a request for advice and discernment. That is: to turn to prayer, as Moses did.
- Moses had a fiery nature (Ex 2,11-12; 11,8; 32,19), which got him into trouble because he did not address this flaw over time. Anger is not a problem as long as it involves the right person, at the right time, meaningfully and with moderation. His uncontrolled pattern of anger is what prevented him from entering the Promised Land. Instead of commanding the rock by God's power, he struck it in anger. It is necessary to recognize our sins and shortcomings through sincere self-examination, contrite confession in the sacrament of reconciliation, self-control, and targeted daily struggle while we still have time.
- Perhaps you think that God overreacted in punishing Moses. After all, what was the harm? However, people judge by appearances, but God looks at the heart (1 Sam 16,7); the Lord sees Moses’ unbelief and disrespect (Num 20,12). Even though we may not like to hear it today, obedience is important. The one whose archetype was the rock in the desert that provided water to the thirsty people (1 Cor 10,4) says that obedience is an expression of our love for God (Jn 14,21).
