Scripture Reading: Exodus chapter 10
Brief
outline of Exodus 10: Exodus 10 describes two more plagues that God sends
upon Egypt. First, God sends a plague of locusts that devours all the crops and
greenery left after the previous plagues. Pharaoh’s officials beg him to let
the Israelites go, but Pharaoh initially refuses. After the locusts cause
severe devastation, Pharaoh briefly relents and asks Moses to pray for their
removal, but once the locusts are gone, he hardens his heart again. Next, God
brings a plague of darkness over Egypt for three days, so intense that people
cannot see each other or move. Despite this, Pharaoh still refuses to let
the Israelites go, showing his continued resistance to God’s commands.
Lessons
from St. Gregory of Nyssa (‘Life of Moses’):
During the
plague of darkness, Egypt was shrouded in darkness for three days, while the
areas where the Israelites lived remained illuminated. St. Gregory interprets
this event as not being caused by an external force but rather suggests that
humans possess the capacity for both darkness and light within them and make
conscious decisions regarding which to embrace. Individuals determine their own
state by choosing whether to dwell in darkness or light.
The Egyptians
did not experience darkness due to any physical obstruction such as a wall or
mountain. Rather, the sun's rays reached everyone equally. However, while the
Hebrews appreciated this light, the Egyptians were indifferent to its presence.
In the same
way, an enlightened life is available to all of us, regardless of our
capabilities. However, some people choose to remain in spiritual darkness,
preferring to engage in evil deeds. On the other hand, those who choose virtue
are illuminated by the light of goodness.
The Scripture
says that the darkness over the land of Egypt was such that the darkness could
be felt (Exodus 10:21). St. Gregory equates this darkness to be symbolic of the
“outer darkness”(St. Matthew 8:12) where, as the Lord says, there will be
weeping and gnashing of teeth.
St. Gregory
explains that those who lead a righteous life will not experience darkness,
Gehenna or other frightening things, often associated with consequence for sin.
This is similar to the story where the plagues of Egypt did not affect the
Hebrews. Both the groups were in the same land, but one group suffered harm,
and the other remained unscathed. St. Gregory says that the difference lay in
the choices they made. Our choices determine our experiences. Those who chose
to live righteously avoid the adverse consequences associated with sinful life.
Questions
for Personal Reflection:
1.How often do I take time to reflect on my spiritual state? Can I
identify moments where choosing virtue has illuminated my path? What lessons
have I learned from past experiences of choosing darkness or light?
2. How do I approach forgiveness for myself and others in the context of
spiritual light and darkness? Have I actively blocked the light of love and
grace from entering my life? Do I seek support when I struggle with spiritual
darkness?
In Christ,
Rincy
Ref: Gregory of Nyssa, Saint. The Life of Moses. Translated by A.J. Malherbe and E. Ferguson, HarperCollins, 2006, pp. 53-55. HarperCollins Spiritual Classics series. (Original translation published by Paulist Press, 1978)
Disclaimer: The content presented here is a paraphrased summary based on my reading and understanding of the book cited above and is intended solely for educational and devotional purposes during Lent. They are not intended to replace the original work or represent the views of the author or publisher. Readers are encouraged to refer to the original book for a comprehensive understanding.
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