19th Week in Ord. Time, Wednesday – 16thAugust 2023 – Deut 34,1-12; Mt 18,15-20
Faithful Servant
Today’s first reading from the book of Deuteronomy is the final chapter of the book and also the last reading from the Pentateuch. It presents the death of Moses and the very end of Israelites’ sojourn through the desert and to enter into the promised land. God is about to bring the chosen people into the Promised Land but without Moses. Moses, the esteemed spokesperson for God and faithful intercessor, is able to see the Promised Land but did not enter into it. However, after the traditional mourning period, Joshua takes control of the Israelites and prepares them for their crossing of the Jordan River and enters into the land flowing with milk and honey.
Moses is addressed here as ‘Servant of the Lord,’ a special title used to refer to those whom the Lord, as the Great King, has taken into service. They serve as members of God’s royal admiration. Moses spent time with God, he listened to God’s Word, and he followed God’s orders. Since Moses was faithful to walk with God and spoke to God as a man spoke to his friend (Ex 33,11; Num 12,7-8), he was considered the ‘Servant of the Lord’. There were times when Moses complained to God because his work was difficult, but he never quit. He was ever a faithful servant, right from the call received to lead the people out of slavery in Egypt. He endured many tribulations in the desert for 40 years, while he also had great experiences on Mount Sinai. In the matter of faithfulness, Moses is even compared with Christ (Heb 3,1-6). The secret of his life wasn’t his own abilities, but his humble walk with God. He exemplified himself in his devotion to his people. Many times, he fell on his face and pleaded with God not to judge them.
