Exodus 33:7-11, 34:5-9,28.
Matthew 13:36-43
In today’s first reading and the verses preceding it in Exodus, God teaches the Israelites and cares for them just as parents do with their own small children. In teaching the His people who are called by His name, God has led them out of Egypt, protected and cared for them. His presence was evident by the pillars of fire and cloud, He provides manna and water. He draws them ever closer to Himself. And he sets some rules for them to follow. But they continue to be unfaithful. So God was angry with them and rebuked them for their stiff-necked behaviours just like parents do when they realise the approaching danger from a self-destructive child’s behaviors.with a very grievous heart, Moses pleaded with the Lord on their case, that God should pardon their wickedness and sins and to receive them as God’s own so that they can get to the promised land.
Towards achieving that same goal, God speaks to Moses about how He wants His people to pray while holding on to the fact that repentance for sins is to be part of prayer. It is our life.
At Mass, we begin the Lord’s teaching and through His Word He calls us back to Himself and our thanksgiving by approaching the Altar of God is also a way of begging forgiveness for our antiquities. And God in His merciful love not only forgives us but gives us the great gift of the Eucharist, the ultimate repentance for our sins.
Fr Joseph Osho