In the Footsteps of Moses: A Lenten Voyage with St. Gregory of Nyssa (Step#39)

Scripture Reading: Numbers 25

Brief outline of the chapter: The Israelites fall into sin while staying in Shittim by engaging in immoral behaviour with Moabite women and worshiping the Moabite god Baal of Peor. God commands Moses to execute the leaders involved and sends a plague that kills 24,000 Israelites. Phinehas, the grandson of Aaron, stops the plague by killing an Israelite man and a Midianite woman who were blatantly defying God’s commands. As a result, God rewards Phinehas with a covenant of peace and an everlasting priesthood for his zeal. The chapter concludes with God instructing Moses to attack the Midianites for their role in leading Israel into sin.

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

Despite failing to curse the Israelites, the Evil one does not give up. Instead, he resorts to trickery and uses pleasure as a bait to entice people into evil. St. Gregory likens pleasure to a bait that draws gluttonous souls to destruction, particularly through lustful pleasure, which can lead people astray if they are not vigilant. St. Gregory warns that pleasure can be a powerful tool of Satan, drawing people away from virtue and towards evil. This is what happened in this story where the Israelites were led into sin through the enticement of pleasure (Numbers 25:1-3).

St. Gregory reflects on the irony that those who were strong enough to prevail in battle against their enemies were ultimately enslaved by their own carnal desires. Their lust for unlawful intercourse with foreign women led to their estrangement from God. God commands Moses to put to death the leaders of the people who had sinned. St. Gregory praises Phineas, who took immediate action to purge the sin from the community. Phineas’ act of killing the Israelite man and the Midianite woman with a spear (Numbers 25:7-8) is seen as a decisive and righteous act that stayed divine justice and halted the plague that had come upon the Israelites.

Among many passions influencing human thought, the desire for pleasure is particularly powerful. The example of the Israelites, who demonstrated superior strength against the Egyptian cavalry, triumphed over the Amalekites, and instilled fear in neighbouring nations before eventually defeating the Midianite forces, highlights this point. Despite their formidable capabilities, they succumbed to their carnal desires.

Pleasure is a force that can conquer individuals without the need for physical weapons. St. Gregory emphasizes that pleasure is a formidable enemy that can easily lead people astray, even those who are otherwise strong and virtuous. When people give in to excessive indulgence in sexual pleasure, they are reduced to a beast-like state. Soon, they openly display their shameful behaviour, likened to pigs wallowing in filth. It brings dishonour and public shame.

St. Gregory advises staying away from it as far as possible to avoid being consumed by its destructive force. The closer one gets to such sources of temptation, the more likely they are to be burned by it. “Can fire be carried in the bosom without burning one’s clothes? Or can one walk on hot coals without scorching the feet?” (Proverbs 6:27-28).

St. Gregory reminds us of Jesus’ teachings from the Gospel, which stress the importance of avoiding the root of evil desire that arises through sight (St. Matthew 5:28). Allowing oneself to entertain these desires can lead to harmful consequences- it leads to a destructive path, much like a plague that only stops at death.

Questions for Personal Reflection:

1. Are there areas in my life where I am tempted to compromise my values for immediate gratification, similar to the Israelites’ actions with the Moabite women? 

2. Are there instances when I am tempted to engage in behaviours on social media that may be deemed inappropriate, thereby risking fidelity and betraying the trust of those to whom I owe loyalty? In what ways might social media be blinding me to the importance of maintaining trust and intimacy in my relationship?

 

In Christ,

Rincy

 

Ref: Gregory of Nyssa, Saint. The Life of Moses. Translated by A.J. Malherbe and E. Ferguson, HarperCollins, 2006, pp. 124-126. 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.