Scripture Reading: Exodus chapter 15
Brief
outline of Exodus 15: Moses and the Israelites sing a song to the Lord,
exalting Him for their miraculous deliverance from the Egyptians at the Red
Sea. The song highlights God’s strength, power, and faithfulness, portraying
Him as a warrior who triumphs over His enemies. Miriam, Moses’ sister, leads
the women in dance and song, echoing the praises. Following this, the
Israelites journey into the wilderness of Shur, where they face a challenge
with bitter water at Marah. God instructs Moses to throw a piece of wood into
the water, making it sweet and drinkable, demonstrating His provision and care
for His people. After leaving Marah, they come to Elim, where they find
twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees, and they camp there by the
water.
Lessons
from St. Gregory of Nyssa (‘Life of Moses’):
“Israel saw
the great work that the Lord did against the Egyptians. So, the people feared
the Lord and believed in the Lord and in his servant Moses.” (Exodus 14:31). St.
Gregory notes that the individual who has crossed the sea and witnessed the
defeat of the Egyptian army, no longer solely looks to Moses alone as the
staff-bearer of virtue; but, believes in God, and follows Moses' guidance. This
parallels the actions of those who are baptised- they today dedicate themselves
to God and exhibit obedient and respect to the clergy/spiritual leaders. [“Obey
your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls as
those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with sighing,
for that would be harmful to you.”-Hebrews 13:17]
After crossing
the sea, the Israelites marched for three days and set up camp at a location
with water that was initially too bitter to drink. However, Lord showed Moses a
piece of wood which when Moses threw into the water made it suitable for
drinking. St. Gregory interprets this event as a metaphor for the spiritual
life. When one leaves the sinful or worldly pleasures symbolized by the life in
Egypt and sets on a journey of virtue then initially, this new life may seem
difficult much like the bitter water.
The wood
thrown into the water represents the cross of Christ. St. Gregory emphasizes
that the mystery of the Resurrection, which began with the Crucifixion (the
wood), transforms the bitterness of a virtuous life into sweetness. This
transformation is fuelled by the hope of eternal life. By embracing the Cross
and the Resurrection, the believer’s life becomes more pleasant and fulfilling
than any worldly pleasure. St. Gregory teaches that the initial hardships of a
virtuous life are made bearable, and even joyful, through the hope and power of
Christ’s Resurrection. The Cross, symbolized by the wood, is central to this
transformation.
After leaving
Marah, the Israelites reached Elim, where they found twelve springs of
water and seventy palm trees. This place provided much-needed
refreshment for the travellers.
The springs
and palm trees at Elim symbolize the teachings of the Gospel, which provide
spiritual nourishment and refreshment to those pursuing a life of virtue. The
twelve springs symbolize the Twelve Apostles chosen by the Lord through He
imparted His word. St. Gregory says the twelve springs foreshadowed the
outpouring of grace from the Apostles as foretold by the Psalmist -“Bless God
in the great congregation, the Lord, O you who are of
Israel’s fountain!” (Psalm 68:26). And the seventy date palms symbolizes those evangelists
appointed in addition to the Twelve Disciples to spread the Gospel throughout
the whole world.
Questions
for Personal Reflection:
1) What does
Christ’s Resurrection mean to me? How does the mystery of the Resurrection
influence my daily life and spiritual practices?
2) What are some
of my favourite verses from the Holy Scripture? Write them down. Reflect-how
have these verses provided nourishment, comfort and refreshment in my spiritual
life?
In Christ,
Rincy
Ref: Gregory of Nyssa, Saint. The
Life of Moses. Translated by A.J. Malherbe and E. Ferguson, HarperCollins,
2006, pp. 69-71. 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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