when we think of lent we often think of Jesus and the 40 days he spent in the desert. We think also of our own desert experience, how we long to get away, separate, have time alone. But into todays readings we encounter the Israelites leaving the desert to enter the promise land. Kind of strange in this season of lent.
Moses is bidding farewell to the Israelites. They are all gathered and he is giving them last minute instructions and reminders. He will soon die and the Israelites will be ushered off into the promised land.
They will be leaving the desert and will enter into a land of duties, obligations, chores, errands, busyness; the everyday task of living will consume them especially as they run up against strange customs, strange faces, strange religions, and strange ideas. The burden of everyday life will be great and taxing.
Moses pauses for a moment to remind them to choose life that is to not get so caught up with living that they lose sight of life. Choose life!
Lent is an opportunity to allow the everyday burdens of life, the work, the school, the routine, the errands, the chores to become moments of encounter with the living God who gives life. It is the everydayness of life that becomes our desert of dependence on God.
Self-denial is about being fully present to life while walking in the land of the living. Like the Israelites we leave the desert to enter into the everydayness of living; let us not lose sight of life.
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