MOSES’ BIRTH AND DELIVERANCE: In the first reading, we hear the story of the birth of Moses and how his mother made a conscious effort to hide and preserve him for three months to avoid being killed by Pharaoh. But when she could hide him no longer, she prepared a papyrus basket with bitumen and pitch (for waterproofing), put the little child in it, and placed it among the reeds on the riverbank, with the sister stationed at a distance to see what would happen to the child.
Providentially, Pharaoh’s daughter came down to the river to bathe. She noticed the basket. Her attention may have been drawn by the cry of the baby boy in the basket. She was moved with pity, sent her handmaid to fetch the basket, and realized it could be one of the Hebrews’ children. The sister asked to go and get a Hebrew woman to nurse the child for Pharaoh’s daughter, and she agreed. She went and brought the child’s mother.
Pharaoh’s daughter entrusted the child to her mother (even though she didn’t know it) and said to her, “Take this child and nurse it for me, and I will repay you.” She adopted the boy and named him Moses, because she said, “I drew him out of the water.” Thus, God saved and delivered Moses through the unexpected action of Pharaoh’s daughter. Our God is a mighty deliverer. He is always faithful to His name.
A LEAP OF FAITH
This passage demonstrates that Moses’ mother’s decision was driven by faith in action. Her action was a leap of faith. She took an action and made a decision, not knowing with certainty the outcome but trusting in providence and divine intervention. The author of the letter to the Hebrews states, “By faith Moses was hidden by his parents for three months after his birth” (Hebrews 11:23). The passage also demonstrates that God works through unexpected circumstances and uses individuals of varied backgrounds and statuses to perfect His will.
As Christians, we must continue to trust God and His divine providence. We must continue to trust in the moments of difficulty and confusion, in circumstances beyond our control, in situations of helplessness, and when we are at crossroads. Indeed, there are times when life’s situations, uncertainties, and circumstances challenge us to make a leap of faith. Let us not hesitate to trust in divine providence and remain positive in the face of life’s challenging situations and circumstances.
THE “WOES” OF JESUS CHRIST
There is a general saying that “To whom much is given, much is expected or required.” There is a greater responsibility for those who have been blessed with divine favors, miracles, opportunities, and privileges. And, there are expectations of corresponding obligations and responsibilities to these divine acts. Such were the expectations of the cities of Chorazin and Bethsaida. Many miracles and mighty deeds were performed in those towns and cities, but there was little or no faith and attitude of repentance to show for it. They were disappointing. And as such, Jesus Christ rebuked them. He warned that their punishment would be harsher than that of Tyre and Sidon unless they repented.
What about us? Don’t we find ourselves in the category of Chorazin and Bethsaida? Have we not received blessings upon blessings? Miracles upon miracles from God? Do we have anything to show for it in terms of our relationship with God? Do we live and act like those who experience divine favors, miracles, and God’s mighty deeds daily?
We don’t want the woes of Jesus upon us as Children of God. We don’t want Him to speak the woes to us because we are disappointing and have not lived up to the expectations as His people, whom He continues to bless with miraculous deeds daily. Let us act fast, repent of our sins, and be appreciative to God so that it will not be harsher for us than for Tyre and Sidon.
Always remember that Jesus loves you!
