In the Footsteps of Moses: A Lenten Voyage with St. Gregory of Nyssa (Step#33)

Scripture Reading: Exodus chapter 33 (continuation of Step#32 posting)

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

“See, there is a place by me where you shall stand on the rock, and while my glory passes by I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and I will cover you with my hand until I have passed by; then I will take away my hand, and you shall see my back, but my face shall not be seen.” (v.21-23)

St. Gregory interprets the cleft/ hole of the rock as a metaphor for the heavenly reward and dwelling as St. Paul says- “if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” (2 Corinthians 5:1). Indeed, those who run the race with faith kept firmly planted on Rock-the Christ will be rewarded. The cleft of rock is the prize described in different ways by Scripture- ‘pleasure of paradise’/ (Garden of Eden) (Genesis 2:15); ‘eternal tabernacle’ (2 Corinthians 5:1); ‘mansion with the Father’ (St. John 14:2); ‘bosom of the patriarch’ (St. Luke 16:22); ‘land of the living’ (Psalm 26:13);  ‘Jerusalem which is above’ (Galatians 4:26); ‘prize of calling’ (Philippians 3:14) etc.

According to St. Gregory, Moses' entrance into the rock has the same significance as these descriptions. In St. Paul's understanding, Christ is the rock, embodying all hope for good things and in whom lies all the treasures of goodness.

[“Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” (Colossians 2:3). “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 1:3)]

When Moses comes till this stage, the Lord instructed that He would cover Moses with His hand until the Lord has passed by and then when the Lord takes away His Hand, Moses shall see His back but not the Face.

The Lord who spoke to Moses, articulated this concept when He came to fulfil the Law during His Incarnation. The call of Lord Jesus Christ was- “If any wish to come after Me,” (St. Luke 9:23) and not “If any man will go before Me.” To the one asking about eternal life, Jesus said, “Come, follow me.” (St. Luke 18:22). This underscores the necessity of following Jesus’ lead. Following Jesus means seeing His “back,” symbolizing discipleship.

Here Moses is instructed that to see God, he must follow Him wherever He leads. God's “passing by” represents His guidance. Like how someone unfamiliar with a route must follow a guide, Moses needs to follow God to remain on the right path. Maintaining sight of the leader ensures that the follower stays on the correct course. According to St. Gregory, the Psalmist conveys closeness to God while following Him when writing the verses - “My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.” (Psalm 63:8) and “You who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1).

If a follower tries to face the guide directly, they will end up going in a different direction than the guide shows. Therefore, God says, “My face is not to be seen,” meaning the follower should not try to face the Guide. The goodness does not confront Goodness face to face but follows it.

St. Gregory ends this commentary wondering that learning to follow God is so profound that even Moses, who experienced lofty spiritual experiences and divine revelations, at the end of his life, is barely considered worthy of this grace!

Questions for Personal Reflection:

How can I emulate Moses’ continual ascent in my relationship with God, always striving for greater spiritual heights? In what ways can I maintain a thirst for spiritual growth and never become complacent in my faith?

In Christ,

Rincy

 

Ref: Gregory of Nyssa, Saint. The Life of Moses. Translated by A.J. Malherbe and E. Ferguson, HarperCollins, 2006, pp. 100-111. 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.