Readings: Exodus 2:1-15, Ps. 69:3,14,30-31,33-34, Matthew 11:20-24
“If the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.” (Matthew 11:21)
Moses was born at the peak of Pharaoh’s persecution of the Israelites in Egypt. In a bid to reduce their population, the Pharaoh subjected them to untold inhuman hardships. He used them like animals to build cities, refusing to pay them just wages. However, the more this happened, the more they multiplied. The Pharaoh decreed that all sons born to the Israelites should be killed, but the daughters should be allowed to live.
To achieve this selective destruction of their children, the Pharaoh instructed the Hebrew midwives to kill all males born to the Hebrews. However, the Hebrew midwives had the fear of God in them. They would assist in the process of childbirth and report to the Pharaoh that the women had delivered before they got there. (They told lies to save their head as they could not participate in such gruesome killings.) It was during this time that Moses was born. Today’s readings contain many lessons.
1) The need for proper upbringing of our children. Consider the role Moses’ sister played in our first reading today. She stood at a distance watching the baby Moses floating on the water, and the moment she noticed Pharaoh’s daughter had taken the child, she stepped in. The little girl convinced a woman probably twice her age about what to do with the child. Her plan succeeded. Moses’ mother would bring up Moses in the guise of a nurse. In this way, the baby Moses was saved from death following Pharaoh’s decree to kill all the male children born to the Israelites.
2) Nothing is hidden under the sun. When Moses grew up, he couldn’t stand oppression against his people, so he killed an Egyptian. Moses thought it was secret until he tried to settle a quarrel between two Israelites the following day. The fact that people are not watching you does not mean your actions are hidden. There were no CCTV cameras (and other sophisticated recording devices) in those days, yet Moses was caught. How much more today? Whether we like it or not, we live in a world where the word “privacy” is only an illusion. Before doing anything, ask yourself whether you would be proud to defend your actions if the whole world knew about them.
3) Miracles are of great value, but to repent from sin is the ultimate miracle. Every miracle is a sign pointing to God. Please do not get stuck on the sign and forget its meaning. Miracles must lead to repentance; otherwise, they become reduced to mere entertainment. God is disappointed with us when we return to our sinful ways after experiencing His miraculous intervention. Jesus expressed utter disappointment with the towns where most of His miracles had happened because, contrary to His expectations, the people remained stiff-necked in their sinful ways.
We often pray in the Stations of the Cross: “I have fallen again, completely drained of strength, my body cannot move. No blows, no kicks can rouse it up. And yet my will is mine, and so is yours. Know this, your body may be broken, but no force on earth and none in hell can take away your will. Your will is yours.” (9th Station; Christ Speaks). One miracle Jesus would not work is forcing you to repent. This “miracle” requires your active cooperation.
Today, we remember St. Bonaventure. Known as the ‘seraphic doctor,’ St. Bonaventure was born in 1221 in Bagnoregio, Italy. His name, meaning ‘good fortune,’ was bestowed by St. Francis of Assisi, who prayed for his recovery from a serious childhood illness, anticipating his significant future role. At the age of twenty-two, Bonaventure joined the Franciscan Order and continued his studies in Paris under the esteemed Alexander of Hales. After Alexander’s death, he pursued his education with John of Rochelle and developed a close friendship with St. Thomas Aquinas. Together, they earned their Doctorates, with Bonaventure modestly allowing Aquinas to receive the primary honour.
Bonaventure made notable contributions to the Franciscan Order. At thirty-five, he was elected General of the Franciscans, successfully uniting the Order during a time of division. He authored ‘The Life of St. Francis’ and participated in the translation of St. Anthony of Padua’s relics. Although he declined the position of Archbishop of York, Pope Gregory X later appointed him Cardinal and Bishop of Albano. Renowned for his wisdom and piety, Bonaventure eventually resigned as General of the Order. He passed away at the Second Council of Lyons on July 15, 1274. His legacy continues to inspire many, and his feast day is celebrated annually on July 15.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, grant that we may hate sin and repent of our bad habits. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saint Bonaventure, Bishop, Doctor. Liturgical Colour: White. Bible Study: Exodus 2:1-15, Ps. 69:3,14,30-31,33-34, Matthew 11:20-24).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu