Scripture Reading: Exodus chapter 2 (continuation of Step#3 posting)
Lessons from St. Gregory of Nyssa (‘Life of Moses’):
Moses
attempted to intervene in the dispute of two Israelites, advising them that as
brothers, they should let reason rather than emotion resolve their conflicts.
After being dismissed by the one at fault, he used this experience to develop a
broader perspective. He chose to distance himself from the community and lived
in solitude thereafter. Regarding the conflict between two Israelites, St.
Gregory opines that such conflict occurs within us and amongst us. Heretical
teachings arise when the reasoning is flawed and goes against the truth. If we
are too weak to ensure that righteousness and truth prevails, then like Moses,
we should distance ourselves from the conflict and pursue a path to seek
greater spiritual understanding and knowledge.
Moses flees to a foreign land and while waiting near the well in Midian, he helped the daughters of the priest of Midian against the shepherds who did not allow the women to get the water from the well. The daughters of the priest recounted the incident to their father.
St. Gregory speaks of the father as a man with insight
into what is noble, and perceptive in judging the habits and lives of men. The
father observed in one act—the attack on the shepherds—the virtues of Moses
noting how he fought for the right without seeking personal gain. Moses stood
on the side of justice and addressed the wrongs committed by the shepherds,
despite having no personal grievance against them. St. Gregory appreciates the
father for giving his daughter in marriage to Moses solely looking at Moses’s
integrity and considering his virtue in evident poverty to be more valuable
than substantial wealth.
Exercising his
authority, he allowed Moses to live according to his own preferences. Moses
chose to reside alone in the mountains, away from the commotion of urban life;
in this remote wilderness, he tended to his sheep. St. Gregory advises that we
should strive to live a more focused and solitary life, avoiding unnecessary
conflicts and distractions. We should seek to be among people who share our
values and beliefs. These like-minded individuals will help guide and nourish
our souls, much like a shepherd care for sheep, ensuring that our thoughts and
actions are directed by reason and wisdom.
Questions for Personal Reflection:
Moses’ attempt to hide his wrongdoing only delayed its discovery and
intensified the consequences. What
guilt have you buried deep in your heart that prevents your flight to a life of
transparency and virtue? Have you ever tried to hide a mistake or
wrongdoing? What were the consequences? Did you ever try to address and rectify
your mistakes openly and honestly?
Moses spent 40 years in the desert, accepting a humble position in
Jethro’s home, raising a family and pasturing sheep. Are you comfortable
working behind the scenes without recognition in your community/church life?
Reflect on a period of waiting in your life. In what areas of my life
do I need to trust God’s plan more fully, even when the future seems uncertain?
What lessons can I learn from periods of waiting or preparation that I am
currently experiencing? How can I remain faithful and patient, trusting that
God is at work in my life, even when I cannot see immediate results?
In Christ,
Rincy
Ref: Gregory
of Nyssa, Saint. The Life of Moses. Translated by A.J. Malherbe and
E. Ferguson, HarperCollins, 2006, pp. 9,10,36. 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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