Scripture
Reading: Exodus chapter 16 (continuation of Step#18 posting)
Lessons
from St. Gregory of Nyssa (‘Life of Moses’):
St. Gregory explains that the
references associated with the heavenly manna provide valuable lessons for
leading a virtuous life. The Scripture states that everyone shared the food
equally, regardless of their gathering strength; each person had exactly what
they needed. The lesson here is that we should not exceed our needs when it
comes to material things and understand that the natural measure for eating is
just enough for one day's enjoyment.
St. Gregory reflects
that even if more food is prepared/available than needed, the stomach cannot exceed
its proper measure or stretch to consume all that is available. The Scripture
verses on the gathering of manna illustrate this point clearly; those who
gathered much did not have an excess (as there was no place to store the
surplus), and those who gathered little did not experience a deficiency (as
their needs were met according to what they collected).
In this
account, Scripture metaphorically cautions that excessive greed will result in
grave consequences. The wealth accumulated beyond one's needs will be a source
of torment in the afterlife (symbolized by worms), for those who hoard it. This imagery echoes the biblical account
where manna hoarded beyond what was needed turned into worms (Exodus 16:20).
St. Gregory
interprets the Manna collected on the sixth day which remained uncorrupted on
the Sabbath as a metaphor for the present life being a time of preparation for
the afterlife. The Sabbath represents the rest after death, where the spiritual
nourishment gathered in life becomes useful and remains uncorrupted.
St. Gregory
emphasizes that just as the day before the Sabbath is a day of preparation, our
current life should be spent preparing for eternal rest. The
"Preparation" he refers to is this life, where we sow the seeds for
our eternal life. This preparation involves sowing good seeds—engaging in
spiritual and virtuous activities that yield eternal rewards. According
to St. Gregory, such life alone constitutes preparation. A life devoid of
virtue is not truly a preparation but signifies a lack of preparation.
In the
afterlife, there will be no need for earthly activities like agriculture,
trade, or military service. Instead, we will reap the fruits of our spiritual labour.
Good seeds sown in this life will produce incorruptible fruits, while
self-indulgence will lead to corruption. St. Paul teaches - “If
you sow to your own flesh, you will reap corruption from the flesh, but if you
sow to the Spirit, you will reap eternal life from the Spirit.” (Galatians
6:8).
Questions
for Personal Reflection:
1. How do I respond to others (whether within the family or at
work/school/church) with different personal convictions and practices in their
faith journey? Have I been judgemental? Have I thought of and prayed for a spirit
of understanding, compassion and collaboration in such situations?
2. How can I cultivate a spirit of contentment and simplicity in my
material desires? What changes can I make to live more simply and focus on what
truly matters? What lessons can I draw from the manna story about dependence on
God for my daily needs? What spiritual disciplines can I incorporate into my
life to ensure I am sowing good seeds for the future?
In Christ,
Rincy
Ref: Gregory
of Nyssa, Saint. The Life of Moses. Translated by A.J. Malherbe and E.
Ferguson, HarperCollins, 2006, pp. 72-74. 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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