Exodus 32:7-11, 13-14
1 Timothy 1:12-17
Luke 15:1-32 (or 1-10)
The Lord points out to Moses that the Israelites are lost, breaking the Covenant in two ways. They have turned away from the Lord by a) doubting His intentions, and b) worshipping idols. The Israelites complain and demand proof of the Lord’s presence while, ironically, Moses is receiving instructions to prepare for the Lord’s physical presence among them. We too often demand that the Lord reveal His presence to us, although we miss or are not ready for the full revelation of it.
“Go down to your people at once,” the Lord says to Moses. “Israel envisioned a special role of intercession whereby the relationship of the people to the Lord was bound up with the relationship of certain endowed individuals to Him (1).” We too are called to be mediators to both believers and non-believers. Our liturgies bear this out as we offer intercessions during the Prayers of the Faithful.
Paul had also been lost. Scholars believe that, while this letter is written as if the writer were Paul, it was not actually written by him. Why did this writer expand on Paul’s transgressions as if he were Paul himself? This pseudo-Paul writer holds up Paul as an example of the saving power of the Lord. He also reminds us that remembering our sins, in Pauline style, inspires greater gratitude and helps us keep our pride in check.
The parables of the lost coin and the lost sheep both reveal not just a God who searches out and saves the lost, but who publicly celebrates His finds. Moses teaches us about a God who saves a lost collective of people, while Jesus preaches a God who saves individual souls. The letter gives us a glimpse into the many layers of purpose behind the saving grace. Beyond our need, He also saves us to draw others to Himself. All three readings encourage, inspire and communicate hope. Traveling full circle, Moses demonstrates our responsibility in holding unto that hope for those who have lost it.
Resources:
1- The Collegeville Bible Commentary. The Order of St. Benedict, Inc., Collegeville, Minnesota.1992
2- The New Interpreter’s Bible: One Volume Commentary. Abingdon Press, Nashville, TN. 2010.
Journal Questions:
- Reflect on a time that you asked the Lord to be present, yet realized later that you were either not ready, or that it was being prepared for. What preparations were needed, and who provided them?
- Does remembering your past transgressions discourage you or help you combat pride and sustain gratitude?
- Who do you intercede for? Would you say that you hold unto hope for them, until they are ready to receive it? How is this idea either fitting or not?
© 2016 Marilyn MacArthur, all rights reserved
Writing to Pray 