Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent
In today’s first reading from the Book of Exodus (32:7-14), Moses begs God to spare his people, even though they have created a golden calf to worship as their god. Moses had remained faithful, so God promises to make of him a great nation after destroying the Israelites. But Moses implores God to remember his promise to his chosen people and relent. God relented in the punishment he had threatened to inflict on his people.
Almost one year ago, in a homily in the chapel of Domus Sanctae Marthae, Pope Francis said, “Don’t hold back when praying to God – tell him exactly what’s wrong and insist on holding Him to his promises…prayer should be like speaking face-to-face with a friend, without fear, freely and also with insistence.”
In this passage, Moses can be a model for us. We should approach our prayer life with courageous insistence. Have we had moments where our prayers were just filled with empty words? As we continue our Lenten journey in the midst of a global pandemic, now is the time to be honest with God. Moses interceded for the Israelites. In turn, God agreed to honor the promise he made to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and His people. This demonstration of love and mercy led Moses to exclaim the forgiveness of the Lord to the Israelites and forge a covenant with God. If we come to God in prayer as Moses did, seeking God’s mercy, turning to God in our need, and interceding for others, we too might see how prayer strengthens our relationship with God.
Let us pray, Jesus, I know that I can come to you as I am and that you will hear my prayer. Be mindful of us and have mercy on us during these difficult moments. I know you will not abandon us in the wilderness. Amen.
-Jessica Gabrielli