Breaking the Word

19^th Week in Ord. Time, Thursday – 17^th August 2023 – Joshua 3,7-11.13-17; Mt 18,21-19,1

Saving Waters

The first reading from the book of Joshua presents the next phase in the history of Israel, the miraculous crossing of the Jordan into the long-awaited Promised Land. It is reminiscent of the crossing of the Sea of Reeds when the Israelites escaped from Egypt. There it was the command of Moses which drove back the Sea. Here it is the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant in which were the tablets of the Law, representing the presence and power of God, which stopped the river in its flow and allowed all the Israelites to cross in safety. However, these miraculous events had happened because of the approval and protection of Yahweh. It is the fulfilment of the solemn promise God made to free the Chosen People into slavery and to provide a home for wandering people.

There is a deliberate parallelism between the narratives of the crossing of the Jordan and entry into Canaan and the narrative of the Exodus from Egypt. The events at the beginning and the end of the Exodus departure are analogous to the crossing of the Jordan. Yahweh halts the Jordan just as he dried up the Sea of Reeds. The Ark of Yahweh leads the Israelites as did the pillar of cloud or of fire. Joshua plays the part that Moses played in the Exodus. The manna that served Israel in the desert ceases as soon as the Israelites enter Canaan and the Passover is celebrated in Gilgal after the second ‘crossing’ as it had been celebrated in Egypt before the first. In the liturgy, these water crossings are seen as anticipatory symbols of the saving waters of Baptism.

19^th Week in Ord. Time, Wednesday – 16^thAugust 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.