Daily Readings - Thu Mar 23 2023
Exodus
7Then the LORD said to Moses, "Go down, because your people, whom you brought up out of Egypt, have become corrupt.8They have been quick to turn away from what I commanded them and have made themselves an idol cast in the shape of a calf. They have bowed down to it and sacrificed to it and have said, 'These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.'9"I have seen these people," the LORD said to Moses, "and they are a stiff-necked people.10Now leave me alone so that my anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them. Then I will make you into a great nation."11But Moses sought the favor of the LORD his God. "O LORD," he said, "why should your anger burn against your people, whom you brought out of Egypt with great power and a mighty hand?12Why should the Egyptians say, 'It was with evil intent that he brought them out, to kill them in the mountains and to wipe them off the face of the earth'? Turn from your fierce anger; relent and do not bring disaster on your people.13Remember your servants Abraham, Isaac and Israel, to whom you swore by your own self: 'I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and I will give your descendants all this land I promised them, and it will be their inheritance forever.'"14Then the LORD relented and did not bring on his people the disaster he had threatened.
John
18For this reason the Jews tried all the harder to kill him; not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.31"If I testify about myself, my testimony is not valid.32There is another who testifies in my favor, and I know that his testimony about me is valid.33"You have sent to John and he has testified to the truth.34Not that I accept human testimony; but I mention it that you may be saved.35John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his light.36"I have testimony weightier than that of John. For the very work that the Father has given me to finish, and which I am doing, testifies that the Father has sent me.37And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me. You have never heard his voice nor seen his form,38nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent.39You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me,40yet you refuse to come to me to have life.41"I do not accept praise from men,42but I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts.43I have come in my Father's name, and you do not accept me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him.44How can you believe if you accept praise from one another, yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God?45"But do not think I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, on whom your hopes are set.46If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me.47But since you do not believe what he wrote, how are you going to believe what I say?"
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound narratives that invite us to reflect on faith, intercession, and divine faithfulness. The first reading from Exodus recounts the Israelites' lapse into idolatry with the golden calf, a moment of grave unfaithfulness while Moses was on Mount Sinai. Their actions provoke God's wrath, yet Moses' impassioned plea reminds God of His covenant promises, leading to mercy and restraint. This episode underscores the human tendency to falter and the vital role of intercession, as Moses stands in the gap for his people.
In the Gospel of John, Jesus confronts the Jews' disbelief, emphasizing His divine authority and the validation of His mission through John the Baptist, His works, and the Father's testimony. Despite the Scriptures pointing to Him, the people's hearts remain hardened, seeking human glory over God's truth. This passage highlights the challenge of accepting Jesus as the ultimate mediator and the fulfillment of God's promises, much like Moses in the Old Testament.
These readings intertwine themes of faith and redemption. Both narratives illustrate how easily humanity turns away from God, yet they also reveal the profound grace of intercession and divine patience. Moses and Jesus serve as mediators, bridging the gap between God and humanity. For us today, these stories remind us to examine our own faithfulness and trust in God's promises. In moments of weakness, we are called to repentance and to seek God's mercy, just as Moses interceded for his people.
As we reflect on these passages, let us consider our tendency to seek validation from the world rather than from God. May we learn to trust in His faithfulness, even when we falter. Let us turn to prayer, emulating Moses' example, and find strength in Jesus, who intercedes for us. In doing so, we embrace the hope of redemption and the eternal life offered through Him.