Growing up, once in a while, I’d hear my Mom or Dad utter the words, “God help me, David.” After reflecting on today’s reading from the Book of Numbers, I’d have to imagine my parents, with countless mothers and fathers worldwide, have shared this kind of declaration-prayer along with Moses.
In Moses’s case, the children of Israel are frustrating him over food. Last week we heard a version of this complaint in the Book of Exodus but today, in much greater detail in the Book of Numbers. They’re complaining about not having meat but also mentioning the other highlights of their pre-Exodus menu for good measure, as if Moses didn’t share a similar diet!
Now, Moses, being the bridge between God and man, knows that this complaining has angered God. So, he begins by asking God the question that has been growing in his mind and heart: “Lord, why are you so displeased with me that you burdened me with all these people?” In other words, God, what did I do to get saddled with this crowd!”
And, to parallel or prefigure today’s gospel of the great masses of hungry people and the disciples’ dilemma, Moses asks, “Where can I get meat to give to all these people?”
Moses has reached an important realization. One that any parent, grandparent, or other responsible family member needs to know. I’d also say that it applies to priests, deacons, religious, or other people responsible for the welfare of others. Moses expresses it to God when he says, “I cannot carry all these people by myself, for they are too heavy for me.”
Moses, at the end of his rope, turns to God. It’s a dramatic scene. And, I’m sure, one that most people can identify with, especially those of you who have done everything in your power to help an individual or group of people, but things aren’t working out. Either they aren’t happy or not going along with the plan, or you are wondering where you’ll find the material or physical or mental strength to keep going. You might even feel like God is just watching it fall apart and wonder, like Moses, why; what did I do wrong, God?
Like Moses and the disciples learned, God is always with us. The disciples turn to Jesus with their problem, and Moses turns to God as well. It’s a lesson that we most likely will learn and relearn many times in our lives, but the key is that we are close enough to God to share those hard moments; the “Lord, help me times” with Him.
For in the end, even when Jesus was grieving for the loss of John the Baptist, He had compassion on His flock and fed them. Just remember that we, too, are Jesus’ flock, and He will always feed us and nourish us for the mission and the people that He has given us to help.
May God bless you and your families this holy day!
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