EIGHTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME / TRINITY SUNDAY

The Ultimate Guide

Without a doubt, the Israelite slaves in Egypt wished they could have changed their lives.  Their lives were hard.  For several generations, they had longed to be saved from their misery.  Then, in God’s perfect timing, he sent Moses, and the journey to a new life began.  Along with trepidation, there had to have been an incredible feeling of joyful anticipation.  Goodbye, Pharaoh.  Hello, Freedom. 

The journey, however, turns out to be more difficult and much longer than expected. 

Even though God provided for his people in every essential way, they were not satisfied.  In fact, multitudes repeatedly fell into the trap of sin.  It didn’t take long for the ex-slaves to become impatient, fearful, and self-indulgent.  One would think, after all the wonders and miracles God revealed to them, on and even before this journey, they would have been able to stay on course and keep God at the center of their lives.  But, they struggled.  They wavered.  They lost their way.  And each time they strayed or disobeyed God, there were dreadful consequences.  Moses definitely had his hands full!

In today’s first reading, Moses tells the Israelites they must remain steadfast in order to prosper. I can imagine the concern, yet frustration, in his voice as he reminds them once again of the majesty, the power, and the compassion God has already shown them.  He tells them God will continue to be with them and provide for them as He guides them to the promised land. But there is a requirement:  they must know and fix in their hearts that the Lord is God. There is no other.  They must keep His commandments and turn away from sin and temptations. 

The journey of the Israelites should be familiar to us.  Like them, we are all on a journey, and along the way, we are asked to keep His commandments.  Because we are simply human, though, it is not always an easy task.  Clearly, we require God’s guidance to stay on the right path.  God knew the Israelites needed to be reassured by his presence, and he came to earth in an indescribably brilliant cloud.  It was their light in the darkness.  God’s gift to all of us, our light in any darkness, is His Son, the Light of the World, Jesus Christ.  God’s face revealed!

As we enter ordinary time, may we truly feel the power and strength of God’s endless love for us.  May we remain steadfast.  The Lord is God.  He is our guide.  There is no other!      

–Margo Wright

Send Us Forth are reflections written by St. Matthew parishioners and friends.