25 July 2021

Msgr. Pope on Things Often Being Not as They Seem

"We are currently reading the story of Moses in daily Mass. The story reminds us that not all things are as they appear, and that God’s ways are not our ways.

"Moses' early years are marked with clear signs that he is gifted and chosen. Drawn from the water by Pharaoh's own daughter, Moses' very own mother is chosen to be his caretaker and is paid for that privilege by getting to live in Pharaoh's palace. Pharaoh pays for Moses' diapers, his food, and his education. And he is unwittingly preparing and equipping his nemesis. God can be very sly!

"But at age forty, Moses gets ahead of God (never a good idea). He grows angry at an Egyptian who is oppressing a Hebrew and ends up killing the Egyptian. Moses has to flee.

"Now why has God let this happen? From our perspective, Moses was in the prime of his life. At forty, he has experience but has not lost his youth. He is educated, gifted, and has access to power and lots of connections in Pharaoh's own palace. Moses is in a perfect position to lead the people out of slavery! Or so we think. Except for one problem: God doesn't think so."

In a recent commentary, Monsignor Charles Pope (pastor of Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Parish, Washington, DC) reflected on how Not as man sees does God see (1 Sam 16:7) and on thje importance of being careful how we assess our life's worth.

To access Msgr. Pope's complete post, please visit:

Community in Mission: Things Are Often Not as They Seem - A Lesson from the Life of Moses (18 JUL 21)

No comments:

Post a Comment