Word to the Wise
Tuesday, August 13, 2013 - Tuesday in the 19th Week in Ordinary Time
[Deut 31:1-8 and Matt 18:1-5, 10, 12-14]"I am now one hundred and twenty years old and am no longer able to move about freely; besides, the Lord has told me that I shall not cross this Jordan." [Moses, in Deuteronomy]
There is something amusing and poignant about the last words of Moses as recounted in Deuteronomy. Although Adam and Noah lived more than 900 years each, it appears that by the time of Abraham, the story tellers became a bit more realistic. Abraham got 175! Here we have Moses complaining that at 120, he just doesn't "get around much anymore." I'm 70 and I think I'll keep Moses' words in mind!
The poignant part of this is the fact that Moses would not enter the "promised land." Some traditions hold that this was a punishment because he faltered in faith at one time. [Numbers 20:12] Whatever may be the reason, everyone who lives a long time knows that we never do accomplish everything and that the future belongs to others to carry on. Old burdens can become heavy ones if one wishes to continue to carry them. However, the grace and mercy of God urge a more positive perspective. What we aim for are those wonderful words in the gospel, "Well done, good and faithful servant! Come and enter your Master's joy!" [Matt. 25:23] AMEN