Reading: Numbers 20:22-29
Reflection: On Sunday our scriptures turn to the theme of God’s grace and God’s call. This is both an invitation to experience God’s grace for ourselves, and a challenge to be channels of that grace to others. In the light of this, today’s reading may seem out of place. The reference to Moses and Aaron being denied entry to the Promised Land because of their disobedience sounds like the opposite of grace. However, in the minds of the people of the time, this was how God was understood.
Fortunately, Jesus has given us a new perspective on the nature of God, and on how limitless God’s grace really is. The real focus of today’s passage, though, is on the commissioning of Aaron’s son, Eleazar as high priest. The call of Moses to be the deliverer of God’s people is well known and often referenced. The call of Aaron as the first high priest to minister alongside Moses is just as familiar.
But, now for the first time in the journey of the Israelites from slaves to a free people we see the passing of a calling from one person to another. Aaron’s priestly garments, the symbol of his authority and function as high priest, are removed from him and placed on his son. Along with them, the calling and authority are transferred.
This idea of passing a calling and a ministry along is common in both Old and New Testaments. And it reveals how calling is not just about individuals but is about community. God calls people as part of a community, to function within that community. This does not just apply to those in leadership, like a high priest, but to all. Every person has a part to play in God’s saving purpose. We are all called to participate in bringing the cosmos to unity and wholeness in Christ. Jesus has passed his ministry and spirit on to us. And everything we say, do, or even think, can either be a sharing in the work of Christ or in opposition to it. How can you fulfil your calling to share the grace of God in your world today?
Practice for Today: Whenever God calls, a response is needed. Not all who are called accept the call, and not all who accept the call are faithful to live it out. If we are to fulfil our calling to be channels of grace, then we will need to renew our commitment to that call daily.
Today make time to rededicate yourself to God’s call.
Prayer for Today: Make me a channel of your grace and love to those around me, O God.
Communion with Christ