Greetings on this the Thursday of the First Week of Ordinary Time
Readings: Heb 3:7-14; PS 95:6-7c, 8-9, 10-11; Mk 1:40-45
Lack of Trust
In the first reading we are reminded that the people revolted against Moses at Massah and Meribah (translated testing and contention, respectively).
They wanted demonstrable evidence that G-d is with them because they were camped at Rephidim (“rests” – an oasis) and there was no water to drink. The Lord told Moses to go a little bit further to Mt. Horeb and tap the rock for fresh water.
The letter to the Hebrews alerts the reader that in difficulty and trials, if you are not careful, can have the effect on you to grow hardened by the deceit of sin primarily the sin of not trusting G-d.
Sometimes you have to go a bit further.
Sometimes that place that APPEARS peaceful and bountiful, Rephidim, is not the place for you and you need to go a little farther. One way to know is your angry revolt seeing the situation only as Trial and Contention.
God Acts Man Reacts
The Lord always planned to give water at Mt Horeb. The people wanted it at Rephidim, the ordinary place. But G-d moves from the ordinary to the extraordinary – sharing the divine life.
Our reactions aren’t always the best.
Healing of the Body
A leper came to him and kneeling down begged him and said, “If you wish, you can make me clean.” Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, touched the leper, and said to him, “I do will it. Be made clean.”
Healing of the Spirit
Warning him sternly, he dismissed him at once. Then he said to him, “See that you tell no one anything, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.”
Healed in the body and following the prescripts of the law he would receive reception in the community and give Glory to G-d by following the law. He would be made spritually whole.
But he didn’t want to go that far.
Instead he fomented. Causing great difficulty for everyone including the Lord.
Why Rebellion
It would go well to trust the Lord has been active and moving us forward. Rather than anger, trust. Trust that we will get through this. Even if we wind up in a place different than what we planned for ourselves.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Deacon Gerry Palermo 