“The Lord himself who will lead you; he will be with you; he will not fail you or desert you.”
19th Week in Ordinary Time: Tuesday 13th August 2019
Deut. 31:1-8; (R. Ps) Deut. 32:3-4,7,8,9,12;
Mt. 18:1-5, 10,12-14 (Ps Wk III)
There is a vast difference between the standard used by God and by men in measuring greatness. This seems to be the key measure running through the scripture readings today. Moses is, no doubt, not only a great heroic figure in delivering the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt and leading them to the Promised land, but also a prophet who spoke face-to-face with God. However, in reality, it is God who is the true liberator and warrior of the Israelites.
Right from the start it is God who is in-charge, not Moses. This is why when God tells Moses that he will not enter the Promised land, Moses tells the people “Be strong, stand firm, have no fear, no terror…” for God Himself will go before them.
In the same way, he reminds Joshua, his successor to have no fear nor be disheartened. This is because it is the “Lord himself who will lead you; he will be with you; he will not fail you or desert you.”
The psalmist too points out that people should not forget that it is God who is in control. Infact, they should continue telling and reminding their descendants about God’s greatness lest human beings forget. Is it no wonder then that when his disciples ask him as to who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, Jesus puts forward a child and explains the meaning of true greatness? A child has to depend on his or her parents for everything, and trusts them completely. We too are called to do the same.
Lord, help me to trust You completely.
