For every day during Lent, Bishop Edward Malesic writes a scripture reflection for the faithful. Follow the bishop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Click HERE for the readings.
Moses intercedes on behalf of his people in today’s first reading. They had angered God because they had decided to worship a golden calf instead of the one, true and living God. The LORD said to Moses, “Let me alone, then, that my wrath may blaze up against them to consume them.” But Moses reminded God that he had already done so much good for these people. He had taken them out of Egypt and led them in the desert, feeding them with manna and quail and giving them drink from the rock. Moses implored God to relent in punishing the people he has formed, even if they have gone astray. And, because of Moses’ intercession, “The LORD relented in the punishment.”
Jesus is like Moses, but much more. Jesus is the high priest who intercedes for us before the Father. He is the one who lets us know how good God has been to us, and even when we sin, he asks for pardon and mercy to come upon us. He shows us the love of the Father. We are the people that the Lord has favored.
May we always be thankful that Jesus asks the Father to forgive us for we don’t always know what we are doing. But, more than being thankful, let us also change our center of worship from things that are created (like golden calves) to the One who is without end, the God who loves us.
What are the golden calves in your life?