In the 1st reading of today’s celebration (Ex.16:2-4,12-15), we meet people greatly annoyed and showing clearly their discontent.
They grumble about their situation and reproach their leader, Moses, for having taken them where they are.
Their attitude is quite surprising:
We would think they would rejoice at having been freed from slavery and all its misery.
But they now regret their previous situation where they could enjoy bread and meat.
And in a parallel text they will even lament:
“also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic” (Numbers 11:5).
Fast forward to the 21st century, to ourselves… and our own regrets!
Regrets… We all have some and for different reasons…
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- Failure in a business venture due to laziness.
- Cherished goals not pursued through a lack of perseverance.
- Dreams abandoned without reflection.
- Repeated broken relationships out of selfishness.
- Missed opportunities in many areas of life.
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- Dissatisfaction with the present when the past was so much better, it seems…
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The ever-present temptations lurk in the dark area of our hearts:
lamenting, complaining, grumbling against others, searching for a scapegoat to escape responsibility…
All these will certainly not bring us to the ‘promised land’ – the land of serenity and happiness.
God is ready to give us what we need to sustain us on the way.
As he did for the people of Israel, he will provide us with whatever will enable us to keep going on the way.
He, himself, assures us:
“Then you will know that I am the Lord your God.”
The assurance of his presence should be enough to renew our confidence and restore our peace of mind.
Note: Another reflection is available on a different theme in French at: https://image-i-nations.com/18e-dimanche-de-lannee-b-2021/