Apr
04
2019
By Anonymous (not verified)
The Marian Fathers present this Lenten devotional series to help you prepare to receive graces on Easter and Divine Mercy Sunday.
Readings: Ex 32:7-14; Ps 106:19-20, 21-22, 23; Jn 5:31-47
Diary: 1148, 1211, 1293
"They have soon turned aside from the way I pointed out to them." - Ex 32:8
The Lord tells Moses of His wrath against the unfaithful Israelites. They had made a molten calf and worshipped it. He disowns them by changing one word: "your people." Previously, the Lord had called the Israelites "My people" (See Ex 3:7, 10, 5:1, 6:7, 7:4, 9:1, 9, 17, and more).
These Israelites, we learn, are a "stiff-necked" people (Ex 32:9). The expression, meaning "stubborn" or "not easily led," derives from the use of animals for agrarian purposes. When Moses pleads on their behalf, the Lord relents and does not exact the due punishment. He forgives the Israelites because of who He is. He had promised by His own self that He would make their descendants "as numerous as the stars" (Gen 22:16-17).
Today's Gospel is the third consecutive installment from John 5. It looks like God's people haven't changed much in the intervening centuries. Despite the works Jesus has performed in His Father's name, "You do not want to come to me to have life" (Jn 5:40).
Those who attack Him will be accused, Jesus warns, not by Him, but by Moses. "For if you had believed Moses, you would have believed me, because he wrote about me" (Jn 5:46).
Prayer: Merciful Lord, help me to grow in trust of You.
Missed a day? See previous "From Ashes to Mercy" daily meditations.
Readings: Ex 32:7-14; Ps 106:19-20, 21-22, 23; Jn 5:31-47
Diary: 1148, 1211, 1293
"They have soon turned aside from the way I pointed out to them." - Ex 32:8
The Lord tells Moses of His wrath against the unfaithful Israelites. They had made a molten calf and worshipped it. He disowns them by changing one word: "your people." Previously, the Lord had called the Israelites "My people" (See Ex 3:7, 10, 5:1, 6:7, 7:4, 9:1, 9, 17, and more).
These Israelites, we learn, are a "stiff-necked" people (Ex 32:9). The expression, meaning "stubborn" or "not easily led," derives from the use of animals for agrarian purposes. When Moses pleads on their behalf, the Lord relents and does not exact the due punishment. He forgives the Israelites because of who He is. He had promised by His own self that He would make their descendants "as numerous as the stars" (Gen 22:16-17).
Today's Gospel is the third consecutive installment from John 5. It looks like God's people haven't changed much in the intervening centuries. Despite the works Jesus has performed in His Father's name, "You do not want to come to me to have life" (Jn 5:40).
Those who attack Him will be accused, Jesus warns, not by Him, but by Moses. "For if you had believed Moses, you would have believed me, because he wrote about me" (Jn 5:46).
Prayer: Merciful Lord, help me to grow in trust of You.
Missed a day? See previous "From Ashes to Mercy" daily meditations.
ddburg
