A while ago, there was an annoying commercial, for some product I can’t remember that had a woman who no matter the situation always had the same statement: “More!” It didn’t matter whether it was her dentist showing her the post-whitening process of her teeth, the waiter applying grated cheese to her meal, or a boyfriend who arrived with a bouquet … her response was consistent: “more!”
One Last Set of Instructions
It was as if there was never a doubt in her mind. As we have listened to Moses speak to the people of God, laying out two options: “life and prosperity, (or) death and doom …” we might wonder, how can there be any doubt in their minds which one to choose?
Well, to set the scene, the Israelites are in Moab. They’ve wandered for forty years in the wilderness with Moses guiding them and as their intermediary with God. But things are about to change. Moses is about to die and will not enter the Promised Land and but soon, those he is speaking to, will. In this set of readings, Moses is giving the people one last set of instructions to prepare them to carry on-- for when he goes home to God.
The Highest Stakes
What comes before this reading is Moses reminding them and us that the Lord’s commandments are both understandable and doable. And if they follow them then there’s nothing to get in the way of receiving God’s blessings.
Moses needs to give this reminder because as much as the people of Israel and we set out to love and serve God, we can get lost along the way. Think of Moses’ words as your lane correction technology in your car or maybe the auto-braking to avoid a crash.
The use of the words, “I set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse” should get our attention. Moses isn’t proposing outcomes like living in Massachusetts or Florida or driving an SUV or a pickup truck; he’s raised the stakes to the highest level; with the admonition to “choose life…”
Walk in His Ways
But in order to choose life, it means first, choosing to love God above all. And, it also means trusting God by following His commandments. I love the verse where it speaks of loving God by walking in His ways.” This is why Moses had to give this pep talk, the Israelites like us had drifted in what they came to love and want; God went from first to second and then out of sight. Like the woman who wanted “more,” they lost sight of what they should want more of in their lives.
My brothers and sisters, today, as we begin this Lenten journey, we have a choice: what do we want more of? Where do we place our trust? Is it simply in the law to find justice, a criminal or civil law? Or do we place our trust in the law of God, and love of Him for us and us for Him? You see, if we want for our families and for ourselves to have more in this life, we can always find it by choosing to follow Jesus, both in the big and small decisions we make every day.
- Father David's inspirational homily was recorded live during Mass at the Father Peyton Center this morning. You can view the Mass (and the Rosary at the 30-minute mark) on the Family Rosary YouTube page.
- To join the Rosary and Mass Livestream, visit the Family Rosary YouTube or Facebook page at 11:30 a.m. Eastern, Monday – Friday. Consider inviting others to join too! (*If you are not a member of Facebook and a signup window appears, simply select the X at the top of the pop-up message and continue to the livestream.)
