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Bible Time Period: Desert Wanderings
You taught Israel to walk in faith through 40 years’ wandering in the desert: Help me to trust in you today, O God.
Reflection
The stages of Israel’s journey from Egypt to the Promised Land are reviewed and an indication of the tribal boundaries, Levitical cities and cities of refuge, and some inheritance laws are given as Numbers draws to a close. Don’t miss mention of the “Year of Jubilee” in 36:4. Every 50th year was to be a “jubilee year” in which people return home, slaves are set free, debts remitted, and land returned to original owners. This concept will come into play as the story progresses.
These four chapters mark the end of the Desert Wanderings and the end of January. One month down, two to go!
Key Verse to Remember From the Period of Desert Wanderings
“According to the number of the days in which you spied out the land, forty days, for every day a year, you shall bear your iniquity, forty years, and you shall know my displeasure” (Num 14:34)
Today’s Reading
Today’s Question
What warning does God give to the people at the end of chapter 33? How does this warning strike you? What does it tell you about God?
Join the discussion below!
I needed to hear this again, I was just getting caught up in my head and needed to share a tear with father Mike.
What a beautiful way to think of Ash Wednesday.
Powerful message. This really spoke to my heart and moved me to tears. “Mine, you’re mine”. Wow….Father Mike, thank you.
“…they have no idea now incredible they’re suppose to be”….wow..wow…wow…I tell my Catechism kids all the time that what God has for them is bigger than anything they can imagine for themselves. keep on Father Mike , signed HCC from NY
“The ashes mean I’m a sinner, and the cross means I have a savior.” Awesome words!
As I listened to this my heart was moved to tears. You really explained the significance of this day in a beautiful way. Thanks for your insights, they always touch me.
Thank you for that word FatherX
Could you tell me what Americans use to mix ashes with to make them stick to the forehead?
In Poland we just sprinkle dry ashes o to the head and therefore it’s not a visible signe…
God Bless you
What a powerful way to present the significance of this day. I was moved to tears reflecting on this image. Thanks Fr. Mike! Best I’ve heard in years.
“Mine.” One small word with so much power! Thank you
Wow I am totally speechless after hearing Fr Mike! What a great tribute to Ash Wednesday. In all my years I’ve never heard it do well presented!
Wonderful video. Thank you for the reminder of the amazingness of what Ash Wednesday is. I will think about your message at mass tonight!
Another awesome video. Such a strong message. I am a sinner, but I do have the Savior.
Wow – The. Best. Video. Ever. Fr. Mike – your heart and your love a Jesus was so heartfelt. Tomorrow when I get my ashes – I will hear Jesus claim me and I will have the words to respond to those that jest with me about my “dirty forehead.”