In the Footsteps of Moses: A Lenten Voyage with St. Gregory of Nyssa (Step#13)

 Scripture Reading: Exodus chapter 12

Brief outline of Exodus 12: This chapter details the institution of the Passover and the final plague that leads to the Israelites’ liberation from Egypt. God instructs Moses and Aaron to tell the Israelites to select a spotless lamb, sacrifice it, and mark their doorposts with its blood. This sign will protect them from the plague that will kill all firstborns in Egypt. The Israelites are to eat the lamb with unleavened bread and bitter herbs, ready to leave quickly. At midnight, God strikes down all the firstborns in Egypt, causing widespread mourning. Pharaoh finally relents and urges the Israelites to leave. The Israelites depart, taking with them silver, gold, and clothing given by the Egyptians, marking the beginning of their journey to freedom.

Lessons from St. Gregory of Nyssa (‘Life of Moses’):

St. Gregory reflects on the Scripture mandate that the body of the lamb, whose blood was displayed on the doors to protect the people from the destroyer of the firstborn, become our food. The Israelites had plain cooked meat without any luxurious sauces which they eagerly ate until the entire animal was consumed. They avoided the entrails and did not break the bones, as it was forbidden. Any leftover meat was burned. The individuals consuming this food were expected to have a focused and serious attitude, as if the Israelites were ready for an impending travel. Their feet were protected with sandals, a belt secured the clothing at the waist, and a staff for repelling dogs was held in hand.

St. Gregory contemplates that the Law does not dictate how one should eat - the way one consumes food, adjusts their belt, or handles their footwear or how one carries staff does not correlate with virtue or vice. Hence, this whole account suggests deep spiritual meaning than just dietary instructions.

The traveller’s equipment (sandals, belt, staff etc.) is symbolic of the transient nature of our current existence. It instructs us to acknowledge that life is ephemeral, urging us to prepare diligently for our inevitable departure from birth. We must therefore ready our hands, feet, and entire being for this journey.

To avoid the thorns of life, symbolizing sins, we should wear the shoes of self-control and austerity. These virtues prevent sin from sneaking in. A tunic that flows down to the feet would hinder anyone striving to complete their spiritual journey diligently. In this context, the tunic symbolizes the excessive indulgence in worldly pleasures. The traveller’s belt points to prudence. Like how the traveller’s belt tightens the tunic, prudence restrains the focus on worldly desires.  Additionally, the staff used for warding off animals symbolizes the message of hope. This staff supports the soul's weariness and helps fend off threats.

The Israelites were commanded to eat the lamb roasted over fire the same night and “anything that remains until the morning you shall burn with fire” (Exodus 12:10). According to St. Gregory, the food offered from the fire symbolizes the ardent faith we embrace with minimal questioning. We consume what is easily digestible, but we consign those aspects of doctrine to flames that are complex and difficult to understand. 

To explain this concept further, St. Gregory says that those instructions from our Lord which are which are easily comprehended, should be followed by us eagerly and willingly, just like a hungry person earnestly eats food, to sustain our well-being. However, we should put into fire those aspects of faith that are beyond our understanding. The Holy Spirit is designated as fire in the Scripture (e.g. The coming of Holy Spirit as divided tongues of fire and anointing the gatherers on the day of Pentecost- Acts 2). This means that the topics of faith such as inquiries into the essence of God, conditions before creation, reasons behind occurrences, and other profound mysteries, should be understood through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. 

The Wisdom of Sirach teaches- “Reflect upon what you have been commanded, for what is hidden is not your concern. Do not meddle in matters that are beyond you, for more than you can understand has been shown to you. (Sirach 3:22-23). [The commentary on Exodus 12 to be continued in tomorrow’s posting]

Questions for Personal Reflection:

1. As we prepare to commemorate the healing of the paralytic on the third Sunday of the Great Lent reflect on the reliance of the paralyzed man on his friends for help much like the Israelites relied on their community to observe the Passover. How do I support and uplift those around me in their spiritual journeys? Do I allow others to support me when I need help?

2. How can I simplify my life and focus more on my spiritual journey during this Lenten season, similar to the Israelites’ focused preparation for travel? What are some practical steps I can take to avoid excessive indulgence in worldly pleasures that hinder my spiritual journey? Am I actively and humbly seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit to gain deeper insights into the aspects of my faith that I find difficult to understand?

In Christ,

Rincy

 

Ref: Gregory of Nyssa, Saint. The Life of Moses. Translated by A.J. Malherbe and E. Ferguson, HarperCollins, 2006, pp. 58-64. 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.