Hiatus

As much as it was painful to do so, I decided to put this project on hiatus.  A lot of pride had to be taken down, and a lot of disappointment is now cast aside, as I see that this is what's best.

I intend on continuing where I left off at some point.  While I was not able to read the whole bible this year, I still see this as a victory, because if I hadn't have tried, I wouldn't have read the first 5 books of the bible, and that is awesome.  I now have my summaries and reflections documented, and for that, I am grateful.

The reason that the Bible Reader IV project is on hiatus is because my time is very thinly spread.  I have decided to sacrifice my time for personal bible study to devote to helping my family, where my time is more greatly needed.  By the grace of God, my family recently gained a member, and as this member grows and develops, I am called to help my wife and son as much as possible.  I know that this is where God is calling me now, and when I am called back into my Bible journey, the hiatus will be over.

Until then, keep reading, and God bless you all.  Please keep my family and me in your prayers.

Day 46: Deuteronomy 30-34

Summaries:
If someone returns to God and vows to follow Him, God will have mercy and bless this person.  God's commands are not out of reach, but are graspable, and the choice between life and death, to follow God or not, is laid before Israel (30).  Moses tells the people that the Lord, not Moses himself, will lead them into the land, and Joshua will take Moses' place, and Moses encourages Joshua not to fear, and handed over the written law to the levitical priests, instructing them to read it aloud on the feast of Booths for all to hear and to teach and observe, and to place the law in the Ark of the Covenant.  Joshua is commissioned, and God gives Moses a song to teach to the Israelites to keep future generations from turning from God (31).  Moses recites the song for all to hear, in which God recalls his past blessings on his people, his punishment on those who turn away from him, and the blessings to come for those who follow him.  Moses gives a final appeal to the people to follow the Lord, then from the top of the mountain is able to see the land of Canaan  before he dies (32).  Moses pronounces blessings on each of the tribes of Israel (33). Then God showed Moses the land from the mountaintop, and Moses died (34).

Reflections:
The mercy that God displays as he tells the Israelites that anyone who chooses to follow him will be blessed equally to the Israelites is remarkable.  It's the concept that, despite what you've done, anyone can follow God.  But of course, he must first choose life, choose God, and not fall into the evil ways that are against God.  This is the mercy I see in the sacrament of Reconciliation.  It is incomparable love.

I also found it slightly sad that Moses dies at the very end, though it was very fitting.  God was true to his word, that since Moses failed him when he struck the rock the second time due to lack of faith and God made the water appear, he would not come into the land.  But still, I felt like I was rooting for a last minute change of heart, where God would be like "Okay, come on in."  But that's not how God works.  It says that no prophet had arisen like Moses , and his eyes were undimmed even at his death.  He did not die because he was a bad person, and he surely shares eternal life in heaven.  But it shows the reality of the consequences for our sins.  The real consequences that we so often do not think about.  God loved Moses.  But because he had let him down, he had to serve only as the bridge for the people to the land of Canaan, without himself partaking in its glory.

Day 45: Deuteronomy 25-29

Summaries:
Moses recounts rules to the Israelites regarding the punishment of stripes, levirate marriage (when brothers live together and one dies without a son and the widow marries the other brother), and other various precepts (25). When the Israelites come into the land which God is giving them, they must remember to give thanks to God.  Also they must give their tithes to the Levite, the orphan, the alien, and the widow, and they must obey the words of God and fulfill their covenant with Him, and He will raise them up (26).  Moses urges the people to keep all the commandments, and then gives the people the twelve curses for those who are disobedient to the word of God (27).  The Moses gives the promises of blessing for obedience to God, telling of their victory and prosperity that God will give, followed by curses for disobedience, including sickness and defeat.  Those who are disobedient will be oppressed, they will be in exile, their labor will bear no fruit, they will be captures, suffer plagues, and so on (28). Moses recounts the many ways that God has blessed the people, and reminds them that all Israel is bound to the covenant.  He warns them against idolatry and reiterates the punishment for infidelity (29).

Reflections:
So basically, obey God and God will bless you beyond belief.  Disobey God and you will face the punishments due to you.  It's simple really.  Yet we still seem to think we can negotiate our way to heaven, by being a good person only, or by doing what we want and trying to make up for it later.  Essentially, if we could think beyond the here-and-now present-moment, we would see that there really is no choice like following god.

Quotes:
Deuteronomy 26:18-19 - "And today the LORD is making this agreement with you: you are to be a people peculiarly his own, as he promised you; and provided you keep all his commandments, he will then raise you high in praise and renown and glory above all other nations he has made, and you will be a people sacred to the LORD, your God, as he promised."

Day 44: Deuteronomy 21-24

Summaries:
Moses recounts instructions regarding what to do with untraced murder, how a man can marry a female captive, how to treat the first-born of of of two wives, and how to deal with a disobeying son (21).   Moses tells the Israelites to care for the animals of one's neighbor, along with other various laws, and gives various crimes against marriage, such as if a man tries to divorce his wife after having relations with her, adultery, rape, etc (22).  Some rules regarding membership in the community are given, along with the necessity for cleanliness in the camp, since God journeys with them in the camp, and other various laws, such as there shall be no temple harlot, and you shall not delay fulfilling an oath sworn to God (23).  More marriage laws, such as remarriage and marital leave from the military are given, along with laws regarding justice, such as kidnapping, loans, and allowing that which you do not pick/reap at first is to be left for the orphans, the widows, and the foreigners (24).

Reflections:
Lots of different laws.  My favorite was probably the one I quoted below about husband being exempt from military and public duty for a year following marriage so he can bring joy to his family.  That would be great.  I do think this shows the importance of families being together for more than jsut a day fater marriage, birth, etc.  Family is the key to society.

Quotes:
Deuteronomy 24:5 - "When a man is newly wed, he need not go out on a military expedition, nor shall any public duty be imposed on him.  He shall be exempt for one year for the sake of his family, to bring joy to the wife he has married."  (A year off?  I wish!)

Day 43: Deuteronomy 17-20

Summaries:
Moses recounts that pagan worship deserves punishment if the testimony of more than one witness confirms it, judges are to be appointed to study cases and make just verdicts, and if the Israelites choose to appoint a king when they come into the land God is giving them, he must be the man who God chooses (17). The Levites have no share in the heritage with Israel, but live on the oblations of the Lord and the portion due.  The Israelites are not to be influenced by the sins of other peoples, and God will raise up a prophet like Moses to lead them (18).  Of the cities the Israelites will inherit/conquer, some cities are to be set aside for refuge, and judicial fact is established by two or three witnesses, though unjust witnesses are to be punished (19).  Be courageous in battle, for God si with you, and men with certain circumstances are exempt from battle (new home no housewarming, new vineyard never enjoyed fruit, etc).  When attacking a city, offer peace first, and if they refuse, follow the rules regarding who to capture/kill, and don't destroy their trees (20).

Reflections:
It continues to be stressed not to be influenced by the sins or ways of other peoples.  Oh how important this is.  It can be so easy for us to justify wrong-doings simply by saying "Well they do it, so..."  But this is not the way it is to be done.  We must not be influenced by the sins of others, but must always seek the truth and know how to turn away from the sinful ways of others.  This is also why our actions are so important, because we must not be bad examples, leading others astray.  Hopefully my personal failings are never seen as justification for another person's sinful actions.

Day 42: Deuteronomy 13-16

Summaries:
Moses recounts that idolatry and worshiping false gods are grave sins, and this evil should be purged from their midst (13).  Moses recounts which animals are considered clean or unclean for eating, which includes not eating pig, and everyone is to tithe a portion of their produce, grain, oil, wine, and animals (14). Moses explains how debts are to be relaxed at the end of every 7-year period, as well as how slaves are allowed to dismiss themselves should they choose at that time.  All male firstlings of the herd and flock are to be consecrated to the Lord (15).  Moses reminds the Israelites to keep the Passover feast at the dwelling place chosen by god, as well as the feast of Weeks and the feast of Booths, and that judges are to appointed as just officials (16).

Reflections:
Purge the evil from our midst.  An interesting concept.  In the times of Deuteronomy this often meant stoning, removing, or killing the one who is responsible for the eveil/wrong that is done.  Today, there are different ways we are to do this.  We are to correct mistake, teach truth, remove ourselves from sinful situations, do not become over-exposed to sinful media or people.  Essentially, just as the people were not to be surrounded by the idols of other peoples, we are not to surround ourselves with the things that are not of God that will lead us astray from Him.  This doesn't mean we can't have any exposure to the world, but we must not be disctracted from God by these things.  So, whatever leads us to sin, must be purged, removed, from our lives, else we are lead to sin again.

Quotes:
Deuteronomy 14:1 - "You are children of the Lord, your God."

Days 40-41: Deuteronomy 5-12

Summaries:

Moses recounts The Ten Commandments to the Israelites, and reminds them not to stray from what God has taught them (5).  Moses recounts the greatest commandment, to love the Lord with your whole heart, strength, and soul, and urges the Israelites to learn and pass on these teachings, not forgetting them, and to teach their children of all that God has done (6).  God will tear down the nations in their way, and the Israelites are not to intermingle with these people, but are to destroy their temples and idols, and they will be greatly blessed for their fidelity to God, including with the destruction of opposing nations (7). Moses recounts how God cared for the Israelites, and that God is leading them to a great land, but when they receive it, they are not to forget all that God has done and think that they deserve the credit (8).

God will protect the Israelites as they face the Anakim, and they will be successful because of God.  They are not to forget how they angered God with the golden calf, but should remember how God heard Moses' plea and spared them (9).  Moses recounts the cutting of the tablets for the commandments an the building of the ark for which to store the tablets, and he tells of God's glory (10).  Moses reminds the Israelites to keep the commandments and remember all that God has done, and God will bless the land they are coming to with rain, and their fidelity to God will be rewarded with driving out nations and protecting them.  The Israelites are given this choice of blessing if they follow God or curse if they do not (11).  The Israelites are to destroy foreign temples of worship to other gods, for they will have one place which god chooses for offerings and holocausts.  Some meals they may have in their communities, but others must be before the Lord (12).

Reflections:
Okay, now this is a big chunk of Bible, and there is so much to be said, but I need to blog this all together so I can move onward.

First off, though I was behind in my reading, I found it amazing that on the day when children from the Cathedral were receiving their First Penance, I was reading about he 10 Commandments.  In fact, I read the same reading that was read at the penance service, which was Deut. 6:3-9, about keeping the commandments and "drilling them into your children."  Very cool.

I think that these chapters of Deuteronomy are so crucial and amazing.  Moses is recounting all these things that God has done and told them so that they can remember and live for God.  He urges them not to forget the many things God has done for them, the ways He has blessed them, just as we all should not forget.  That is why it is important for us to hear these readings, because these are our forefathers, and God blessed them.  And He promises to bless us too.

I like that Moses frequently tells the Israelites to follow the commandments EXACTLY, not straying to the left or the right.  First off, I think that this is important that we do not stray far from the law, from the Truth, else we find ourselves straying further and further.  Also, I find it funny to read about turning to the left or the right, because it makes me think about our political terms, with left-wing-right-wing politics.  Where's the middle?  Maybe we ought to seek and live the truth and not be left-wingers or right-wingers.

In 7:13, it is written that God will "love and bless and multiply you; he will bless the fruit of your womb..."  How amazing is it that the exact same words are spoken from Elizabeth to Mary upon the realization that she is pregnant with Jesus?

When Moses is recounting how the Israelites sinned with the Golden Calf, Moses says that God was so angry even with Aaron and God would have killed him had Moses not prayed for him.  This shows the power of prayer.  It is not that we can change the mind of God, but God hears the cries of his children, so we must pray to our Father in Heaven, knowing that he hears us and loves us.

Two interesting things regarding meat.  One is that in 11:15, God says He will bring forth grass in the fields for the animals.  This makes me think about all that I learned in the documentaries King Corn and Food Inc. about how the majority of the meat we eat these days is corn-fed non-grazing cows, and it's kind of gross to see what we've done due to driven up demand and desire for low costs.  It's not how it was meant to be.  This is why I've kind of pushed standard meat out of my diet and will only eat grass-fed organic meats.  Also, 12:20 says "when you wish meat for food, you may eat it at will, to your hearts desire" and has a footnote about how this referred to special feasts, and that meat was not eaten every day in Israel, not even by the wealthy.  Contrast to today, where we eat meat whenever possible, I think it points out that there is something wrong with the way we eat in America and in the world today.  We don't need to be eating nearly as much meat as we do.  (Especially not crummy corn-fed beef.)

Quotes:
Deut. 5:32-33 - "Be careful, therefore, to do as the LORD, your God, has commanded you, not turning aside to the right or to the left, but following exactly the way prescribed for you by the LORD, your God, that you may live and prosper, and may have long life in the land which you are to occupy."

Deut. 6:5-7 - "Therefore, you shall love the LORD, your God, with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength. Take to heart these words which I enjoin on you today. Drill them into your children. Speak of them at home and abroad, whether you are busy or at rest."


Deut 7:8-9 - "It was because the LORD loved you and because of his fidelity to the oath he had sworn to your fathers, that he brought you out with his strong hand from the place of slavery, and ransomed you from the hand of Pharaoh, king of Egypt. Understand, then, that the LORD, your God, is God indeed, the faithful God who keeps his merciful covenant down to the thousandth generation toward those who love him and keep his commandments."

Deut 8:10, 17-18 - "But when you have eaten your fill, you must bless the LORD, your God, for the good country he has given you... Otherwise, you might say to yourselves, 'It is my own power and the strength of my own hand that has obtained for me this wealth.' Remember then, it is the LORD, your God, who gives you the power to acquire wealth, by fulfilling, as he has now done, the covenant which he swore to your fathers."

Deut 10:16 - "Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and be no longer stiff-necked."

Deut 11:26-28 - "I set before you here, this day, a blessing and a curse: a blessing for obeying the commandments of the LORD, your God, which I enjoin on you today; a curse if you do not obey the commandments of the LORD, your God, but turn aside from the way I ordain for you today, to follow other gods, whom you have not known."

Deut 12:19 - "Take care, also, that you do not neglect the Levite as long as you live in the land."  (Show your priests some love!)

Day 39: Deuteronomy 1-4

Summaries:
In the fortieth year, Moses speaks to the Israelites and explains that God has lead them, and he recounts how God had him appoint elders, how the 12 scouts reconnoitered the land and spread fear, how the people threatened to revolt, and how the invasion made without the Lord's guidance was unsuccessful (1). He recounts where God lead the people in their journey and who they defeated in battle along the way (2). Moses recounts defeating Og, king of Bashan, and how he agreed to allow Reuben and Gad to occupy the the land on the other side of the river for their flocks, and how Moses pleaded with God to let him enter the land which He had set aside, but God would only let him look from atop the mountain (3). Moses tells the Israelites to stay true to all that he has told them, not adding or subtracting from it, not forgetting it, not worshiping idols, and God will be faithful and will reward you. Moses shows them how God has loved them through all he has done (4).


Reflections:
As Deuteronomy begins, and as I'm beginning to feel a bit overwhelmed with the Pentateuch, I am face to face with a bit of a re-telling of what I've already read, though this book seems to be written in a way that is easier to read.

I like the way Moses is reminding the people of everything, because sometimes we can forget everything but how we're presently feeling, so we need to be reminded that God has blessed us and guided us time after time.

Quotes:
I know there were quotes I liked, I'll have to add these later.

Reflection: Numbers

Numbers, oh Numbers. To be honest, this hasn't been the most exciting book for me to read. There have been interesting points, but also a lot of rules and laws and locations and names that I had trouble reading/comprehending. I think I got the overall purpose for this book though.

Like much of the Pentateuch, this book contained historical information, laws, and detailed accounts of the Israelites journey from Egypt onward. I think that it is clear that God communicated with his people, and though they did not always do what he instructed, Moses continued to lead them, both in their physical journey and in their journey closer to God.

Seeing that even Moses and Aaron find a way to fail God, we can be reminded that nobody is perfect, but God can still use us in his Divine plan.

One book left in the Pentateuch. Then on to the Historical Books.

Day 38: Numbers 33-36

Summaries:
This chapter documents the many locations involved in the journey of the Israelites from the time they left Egypt (33). The Lord tells Moses the boundaries of the land that the Israelites are to inhabit in Canaan, and names the men from each tribe who will apportion the land (34). The land for the Levites is described, and God tells Moses the rules for building cities for asylum for those who have killed, and the rules regarding murder, when someone is to be killed or held (35). The heads of Gilead ask Moses and Eleazar about the allotment of land to the Israelites and the heritage of Zelophedah and his daughters, and Moses commands that every daughter who inherits property shall marry someone in her own ancestral tibe in order to keep possessions in the heritage (36). The end.

Reflections:
I think it's interesting to see the use of asylums and jails back in the day. Most of the time they are told that murder is to be paid with murder but there are times when people are to be held.

Day 37: Numbers 29-32

Summaries:
God continues to give Moses laws for the Israelites regarding how to celebrate the feasts, including New Year's Day, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Booths (29). Next God gives the laws regarding vows, including that a man's vow is binding, as is a woman's, unless when a woman's father or husband finds out about it, he immediately objects (30). God tells Moses to send men to battle the Midianites, and the Israelites defeat them, sparing only the virgin women and female children. Those who battled are to purify themselves before returning to the camp and turn in all that they have collected so that it may be evenly divided (31). The Gadites and Reubenites request of Moses and Eleazar to have the low-laying grazing land for themselves and their large amoutns of livestock, but Moses rebukes them since they are about to cross into the land which the Lord has set for them, but they reply that they only wish to build flocks there and towns for their families, while they themselves would be with the rest of the Israelites, and they all agree (32).

Reflections:
I once again find myself a bit confused, but overall glad that God continue to instruct his people and lead them closer to him.

I thought it was interesting when the people asked Moses if they could have the land outside of Canaan and Moses rebuked them saying something like "Haven't you seen how God has punished us for not doing what he asks, and now you want to do what?!" But then after it is all explained and it makes sense, they all agree to it.

Day 36: Numbers 25-28

Summaries:
Some Israelites slept with Moabite women and worshiped their god, so God tells Moses to publicly execute these people, and Phineas honorably kills two of them, and God pledges his friendship because of the zeal of Phineas (25). God has Moses and Eleazar take another census by ancestral house, and clan and number is listed, and God says the land is to be divided among them by size and by lot (26). Zelophehad dies and has no sons, so laws are given regarding heiresses, such that when there are no sons, a man's heritage may pass to his daughters, or his brothers, or others, so that his heritage lives on. God tells Moses to go up on the mountain and view the land that is for the Israelites, and he will gbe taken up to God, and Moses asks that God would set a worthy man in his place, and God chooses Joshua (27). God gives Moses laws for the Israelites once again regarding how to give sacrifices, for each morning and evening, for the sabbath, for the new moon, for Passover, and for Pentecost (28).

Reflections:
I like to think that Phineas' zeal shone through in the fact that God commanded something and he so readily did it. Mind you, in this case, it was killing those who had done wrong, but none the less, he was quick to do what God had instructed, and that does show nobility.

Day 35: Numbers 21-24

Summaries:
The Israelites are complaining (again), so God punishes them with serpents, and Moses prays, and makes a serpent-pole that will heal anyone who is bitten. The Israelites' locations are described, and the King of the Amorites doesn't let them pass though his land, and they battle, and the Israelites win and seize that land, and they also defeat Og, the king of Bashan, when he advances (21). Balak, king of Moab, feared the Israelites and asked Balaam, a soothsayer, to come and curse them, but God told Balaam not to go, so he refused the first time, but accepted the second time, saying that he cannot do anything contrary to the commands of the Lord. God was angry with Balaam for going, and an angel came, which scared Balaam's donkey, so he beat it, but then the donkey pleaded with him to stop (yes it talked), and the angel was revealed to Balaam and he admits his sin, and when he arrives, he assures Balak that he can only say what God tells him (22). Three times Balak builds altars and makes sacrifice so that Balaam will curse the Israelites, but instead he says a blessing for them, so Balak is furious, and Balaam speaks a fourth oracle that the Israelites will defeat the many tribes, and then Balaam leaves (23-24).

Reflections:
It was really funny how Balak kept trying to get Balaam to curse the Israelites, but instead he would say what God told him and would bless the Israelites. I can just picture Balak, like "Wait wait no no stop! What are you doing? Oh no!"

The quote I posted below had a really nice footnote, which is a quote / crossreference from John: "and as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that those who believe in him may not perish, but may have life everlasting" John 3:14-15.
What it made me think about is how as Catholics, we have crucifixes hanging everywhere, since it is a sign of God's total and complete love, but also because, like the serpent lifted up in the desert that healed, we lift up the cross with Jesus and look upon him, and while we are not healed by simply looking at it, we are reminded of God's love for us, and our hearts are called to worship.

Quotes:
Numbers 21:8-9 - "and the LORD said to Moses, "Make a saraph and mount it on a pole, and if anyone who has been bitten looks at it, he will recover." Moses accordingly made a bronze serpent and mounted it on a pole, and whenever anyone who had been bitten by a serpent looked at the bronze serpent, he recovered."

Numbers 24:12-13 - Balaam replied to Balak, "Did I not warn the very messengers whom you sent to me, 'Even if Balak gave me his house full of silver and gold, I could not of my own accord to anything, good or evil, contrary to the command of the LORD'?"

Day 34: Numbers 17-20

I have been falling way behind and falling victim to temptations and distractions, but now I am trying to come back, read, blog, and move onward. Please pray for me as I continue.

Summaries:
The Israelites grumble against God for slaying the people who disobeyed, and God tells Moses and Aaron to leave so he can destroy the community, and as God is destroying, Moses tells Aaron to incense the community to make atonement for them, and this stops God's wrath. God has each tribe to bring forth a staff, and the one that blossoms will be God's choice, and Aaron's staff (the Levite staff) blooms (17). God reminds Aaron that he and his sons and the Levites are responsible for the sanctuary, and they are dedicated to the Lord, and he details the amounts of the sacrifices of which the priests may partake. The people are to give a tithe to the Levites, and of that, the Levites must tithe a portion to the Lord (18). A clean red heifer is to be led out of the camp, slaughtered, and burned, and the ashes are to be gathered and used to the cleansing of people who are made unclean because of the body of a deceased person (19). Miriam dies, and people complain about lack of water, so God tells Aaron and Moses to strike the rock and make water flow, and they strike it twice, showing their uncertainty, and though water comes, Moses and Aaron are punished for their lack of faith by not being allowed to enter the land that they are leading the Israelites to. Israel wishes to pass through Edom without harm, but they do not allow, so the Israelites take a detour. Aaron is take up to God, and his garments and responsibility is passed on to his son Eleazar (20).

Reflections:
I am always moved when Moses and Aaron or anyone else are able to intercede for the people with God. It's not that they necessarily change God's mind, but are proven worthy of his love, in a sense. It shows the power of prayer, and makes me think of how much our priests must be praying for all of us.

The part about the red heifer was very confusing, though I found this quote and footnote/quote to be very interesting:
-Numbers 19:17 - "For anyone who is thus unclean, ashes from the sin offering shall be put in a vessel, and spring water shall be poured on them..."
-Footnote, a quote from Hebrews 9:13f - "If...the sprinkled ashes of a heifer sanctify the unclean unto the cleansing of the flesh, how much more will the blood of Christ... cleanse your conscience from dead works?"

Quotes:
Numbers 18:7 - "I give you the priesthood as a gift."

Day 33: Numbers 13-16

Summaries:
God tells Moses to send a scout (prince) from each tribe to check out the land, and they come back reporting that the land is wonderful, but they report that people are too fierce to conquer and they spread this news to the Israelites (13). The Israelites complain and talk of electing a new leader, but Joshua and Caleb (two of the scouts) tell them that if God wants the land for them, He will make it happen, so don't rebel. The Lord wants to wipe out these people, but Moses pleads with him to stay faithful, so the Lord pardons them and gives them an alternate route. God punishes those who grumbled with 40 years in the desert, and the scouts that spread bad news with death (all the scouts except Caleb and Joshua) (14). God gives more rules regarding sacrifices and sin offerings, instructs punishment for a man working on the sabbath day, and instructs tassles to be places on garments as reminders to keep the Commandments (15). People rebel against Moses and God, and God punishes them (16).

Reflections:
We often complain to/about God when we feel like his plan doesn't quite make sense or we don't think it's that great. But I need I remind myself that God's plan makes a whole lot more sense than my own, and sometimes we just don't know what the next chapter will be, and instead of complaining, we ought to see what God has next for us.

And always trusting in God and his mercy. That's huge too.

Day 32: Numbers 9-12

Summaries:
The Israelites celebrate Passover for the second time, just as the Lord commanded Moses, but some don't celebrate b/c they are unclean, so God says they can celebrate it next month. The cloud covers the Dwelling during the day and is fire during the night, and whenever the cloud rises, the Israelites break camp and follow, and whenever it rests, the Israelites stay put (9). God instructs Moses to make two trumpets for the sons of Aaron to use for sounding alarms and for celebrations, and the Israelites leave the Sinai desert (10). The people lament over not having meat and only having manna, so Moses speaks to God, and God tells Moses to assemble 70 elders so God can bless them and they can share Moses' burden, and the people will get so much meat that it will be undesirable to them. God speaks to and blesses the elders and they prophesy, and the Israelites catch quail and eat it but get struck by a plague for angering God (11). Miriam complains that God only speaks through Moses, and God strikes her with white-leprosy for speaking against his prophet, and she remains outside the camp for 7 days to become clean (12).

Reflections:
Oh, those complaining Israelites. It seems like nothing is ever enough for them. They always want more. Silly Israelites, complaining to God, who is watching over them. Good thing I don't complain like them... (uh-oh)

Seriously, how much am I (are we) like the Israelites? God gives us so much, and yet we complain when mass is too long, when praying is too time-consuming, when we have to go to mass each Sunday or on Holy days, etc. What more do we want? God is offering himself to us, and we complain for more? I think I need to be more gracious and grateful for all that God has given me and gives me every day.

Quotes:
Numbers 10:35-36 -Whenever the ark set out, Moses would say, "Arise, O LORD, that your enemies may be scattered, and those who hate you may flee before you." And when it came to rest, he would say, "Return, O LORD, you who ride upon the clouds, to the troops of Israel."

Numbers 11:23 - The LORD answered Moses, "Is this beyond the LORD'S reach? You shall see now whether or not what I have promised you takes place."

Day 31: Numbers 5-8

Summaries:
God tells Moses that the unclean are to be expelled from the camp, that those who wrong a felow man are to confess, restore, and give one fifth back, and that if a woman is suspected of adultery (or her husband is jealous), she is to be put to a test of impurity (5). The God gives Moses the laws concerning nazarite vows, where one dedicates himself to the Lord, including abstaining from wine, not cutting his hair, nor entering a place where a dead person is. God also gives the the ritual for dedication, as well as the priestly blessing for Aaron and his sons to bless the Israelites, which I have quoted below (6). Once the Dwelling was complete, each of the 12 princes of Israel, the heads of the ancestral houses, brought an offering, and each offering is listed (7). Before the Levites serve in the Dwelling, they are purified, by water of remission, shaving their bodies, washing their clothes, and by Aaron offering them as a wave offering before the lord, and by this, they belong to God (8).

Reflections:
There is a great richness in the formation of the Levitical priests. I like reading about their formation, how they are made sacred, and how their are essentially offerings to God in the place of the first-borns of all the Israelites, and so they have the great responsibility of serving God with their entire lives.

I've always liked the blessing that I quoted below, and I like the fact that it is still used in the Church today, it is has such a great history, as being given by God to Moses for the first priests and the Israelites.

Quotes:
Number 6:24-26 - "The LORD bless you and keep you! The LORD let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace!"

Day 30: Numbers 1-4

Summaries:
God tells Moses to take a census of the Israelites, and so they take a count of each of the 12 tribes, except the Levits are not included, for they are to take charge of the Dwelling (1). Then the Lord tells Moses and Aaron how the tribes are to be arranged (2). The sons of Aaron are named the anointed priests, and in place of all the first-borns of the Israelites being sacred to God, the Levites are given, so that they may serve the Dwelling. A census of the Levites is taken, and the duties are given to the different Levite clans (3-4).

Reflections:
I think it's pretty cool to watch the formation of the priesthood in the days of Moses, and how sacred they are, as well as how much responsibility they have, not just serving IN the sanctuary, but serving it in the sense of having to carry it as they move.

Reflection: Leviticus

Leviticus is the book containing a great amount of legislative commandments, filled with rules and laws, precepts and decrees. As the book concludes, "These are the precepts, decrees and laws which the Lord had Moses promulgate on Mount Sinai in the pact between himself and the Israelites."

While some may find these laws confusing or harsh, I find it very enlightening. Sure, I don't fully understand all the rules. But the simple fact that God gave the rules to his people is beyond amazing. God doesn't just expect man to know everything, so God guides man. He gives them free will, but then also guides us in how to use our free will in the best way possible. We are not slaves, but we choose to do what is pleasing to God, and thus ultimately pleasing to us.

Day 29: Leviticus 25-27

Summaries:
God tells Moses that crops may be grown and harvested for 6 years, but in the 7th year, they are not to collect the harvest, but let the poor pick fromt he fields. In the 7th 7th year (49th or 50th), it is to be a Jubilee year, where everyone is to return to their original property, and the terms for redeeming their property is explained (25). God makes it clear that if the Israelites choose to remain obedient to God's commands, they will be greatly rewarded, but if they are disobedient, things will be very very very bad for them. If they return to God after disbeying, God will always remember his people and the covenant he made with them (26). Though that appears to be the end, the last chapter is like an added appendix, and it explains the expectations of how much is to be offered to God, and what does not need to be offered (27).

Reflections:
I think that God makes it very clear that he wishes for the Israelites to remain faithful to him and that he gives them these precepts, decrees and laws, not to enslave them, but to give them the keys to heaven, the path to Him, and the path to eternal happiness. He also makes it clear that should they choose not to obey God, then they are choosing death. Life and death are put before the Israelites, and before us today, and it is our decisions that are the most important. Ah, such is the gift of free will.

Day 28: Leviticus 21-24

Summaries:
God tells Moses of the sanctity of the priesthood, how they are to remain clean and sacred to God, they are not to marry prostitutes, and are to marry virgins. Also, priests should not have irregularities, such as being blind, lame, or hunchbacked (21). If anyone goes near the sacrificial offerings while unclean, they will be cut off. One can only eat from the sacrificial offerings when clean, and only a priest, no layman. Animal sacrifices will not be accepted if the animal has an irregularity, and animals are to stay with their mother for 7 days after birth before being allowed to be used as sacrifices (22). The Lord gives some of the rules for holy days, such as the Sabbath, Passover, the feast of Unleavened Bread, Pentecost, New Year's Day, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Booths (23). The lamps were to burn regularly before the Lord in the sanctuary, and flour cakes are to be sacrificed regularly on each sabbath day, to be eaten by Aaron and his sons. Then the story of a blasphemer is told, and he is stoned to death for cursing God, and God gives the law of "eye for an eye, life for a life" regarding punishment and restitution (24).

Reflections:
Chapter 22 had me reflecting on the thought of the people in the sanctuary and the necessity to be clean, compared to today, how we are not to receive the Eucharist unless in a state of grace, not bound by mortal sins. It almost makes more sense in today's terms, not that the clean-ness of that day didn't make sense, but seeing how we are receiving the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Jesus in the Eucharist, we cannot also be filled with uncleanness. God calls us to seek his forgiveness and make restitution whenever we sin through his sacrament of Penance, and then when we are made clean, we can receive him.

Thank God the way to become clean today is a whole lot easier than it was back then. Well, as long as it's a Saturday afternoon (j/k).

Day 27: Leviticus 17-20

Summaries:
God tells Moses of the importance and sanctity of blood, such that animals are only to be killed at the entrance of the sanctuary, and the blood of an animal is not to be consumed (17). Then there are lots of people who you are not to have sex with, such as someone of the same gender, a relative, or an animal (18). The next chapter contains various rules of conduct, some of which are a part of the 10 Commandments, like not worshiping idols or lying, while others are additional laws, such as not eating meat with blood in it, not cross-breading different animals, and not molesting aliens residing with you (19). Then after giving many laws, God lays out the punishment for such laws, most of which are death or being cut off from the community. God concludes the punishments by encouraging the people not to do wrong, but to do what is right (20).

Reflections:
Well, these are some interesting chapters that I feel are often misunderstood. Many people, when opposing the Christian stance of being against homosexuality and gay marriage, will quote Leviticus as if that's the only thing that Christians have as their belief about homosexuality. I've heard it quoted, where the person says "it is an abomination and should be stoned" as the Christian view. Is this really what they think we believe? While it is true that God gave his laws which included forbidding homosexuality, the thoughts behind the Christian view of homosexuality are much deeper than that, and I'm not going to really get into that fully at this time. I just find it ridiculous that this is where other sources turn, seeing it as the only biblical teaching on homosexuality.

I sometimes have trouble with verses like these, when I read a law and go "Yeah!" and then another and go "Say what?" Some seem to make more sense for the time, some are universal, and I guess it's important to read with both the literal sense and the spiritual sense of Scripture in mind.

One more thought: I've been reflecting on eye-for-an-eye and death punishments, trying to find God's love and mercy in the midst of his justice and judgments. Some might see this as an unloving God, or a God who changed. I see it as love in a form we are not used to. God gives everyone his laws so that they are informed. Moses is given the responsibility of telling the laws to everyone, so that it is in their hands. If they choose to sin against God's commandments, just like Adam and Eve, they are cutting themselves off from God, and breaking the terms of the covenant. For the people to respect God, they ought to know that their life is at stake should they choose to sin. We too should think of it as if our lives were at stake if we choose to sin, instead of just writing sins off and making up for it later. Maybe we should spend more time thinking before we do things. But thankfully for us, God has given us the opportunity to go to Confession and be reconciled with God and the Church. Just like the Israelites were to be cut off until they were made clean, we too cut ourselves off when we sin until we are made clean by God's forgiveness.

Quotes:
Leviticus 17:12 - "Since the life of a living body is in its blood, I have made you put it on the altar, so that atonement may thereby be made for your own lives, because it is the blood, as the seat of life, that makes atonement."

Leviticus 20:22 - "Be careful to observe all my statutes and all my decrees; otherwise the land where I am bringing you to dwell will vomit you out."

Days 25-26: Leviticus 9-16

Summaries:
At the conclusion of the priestly ordination, Aaron makes a sin offering, a holocaust, and an offering for the people, and Aaron blesses the people (9). Aaron's sons Nadab and Abihu incense the altar inappropriately and are struck dead by God. The conduct of priests is laid out (10). The Lord explains to Moses which animals are clean for eating and which are unclean. Hoofs + cloven-footed + chews cud = good. Fish = good, shellfish = bad. (For the rest of the list, see ch 11). Childbirth makes a woman unclean, and must be purified for 33-66 days. A son is to be circumcised on the either day, and brought before the priests along with an offering after the purification (12). Lots of rules and regulations regarding leprosy, including distinguishing types, purification, and sacrifices (13-14). Certain things make someone unclean, such as chronic flow from privates, seed emission, and menstrual cycles, and the Israelites should be aware of the uncleanness so they do not desecrate the Dwelling (15). God tells Moses of the one time in the year when Aaron may enter the sanctuary, on the Day of Atonement, and instructs him as to how it is to be done, including a sin offering for himself and family, a sin offering for the people, a goat that bears the sins of all the people and is lead away from the camp and killed, and fasting (16).

Reflections:
I've been spending some time thinking about what all this commotion of being "unclean" was really about. I'm sure there's a book I could read about it, but I was just doing some pure reflection. This is the instruction God gave, so it was meaningful. I think it can be tough to hear that a woman is "unclean" at child-birth or during menstrual periods, but what is/was the purpose for this distinction? My thought is that, in those times especially, physical cleanliness was a very important thing. Let's face it, what was the hygiene of the times? God looked after his people, and wanted them to realize the sanctity of their bodies and the importance of keeping them clean and properly purifying them. Also, God did not want the Sanctuary to be made unclean.

Anyway, I'm sure someone can enlighten me more, but I don't think anyone should misread these verses to think that God looks down on the uncleanness of something natural like childbirth. It is certainly deeper than this.

Reflection: Exodus

(This is long overdue, but here's my Exodus reflection.)

Exodus. A very interesting follow-up to Genesis. So rich with symbolism and typology, things of the old that are foreshadowings of that which is to come. So many great stories about Moses and the Israelites. It's almost like a sequel to Genesis in a trilogy, except in this case, maybe a pentology (the Pentateuch as a pentology...interesting concept. I'm buying the movie rights as we speak).

But seriously. I found it interesting how, in contrast to Genesis, which focused on many great peoples, from Adam to Noah to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Exodus is about one main character, Moses, and the Israelites. That's not to say that there aren't other important characters, or interesting things that happen, but it shows just how important Moses was. God used Moses in a HUGE way. We tend to think of him primarily regarding the 10 Commandments, but there is so much more. This book shows how God restored his relationship with his people, brought them freedom, and continued to lead them onwards, always bringing them closer to him.

I think that I used to look past Moses and not really relate to him, but now I'm going to try to remember more often the key role he played, and strive for faith like him. He really is a man of God who we can all learn from.

Days 24-25: Leviticus 1-8

I've fallen behind on reading/posting, so I want to try to post some of the chapters I've read, and I'll post my Exodus Reflection later.

Summaries:
God gives Moses instructions for the Israelites on how things are to be done, including holocausts, which involve a bull, sheep, or goat without blemish (1), cereal offerings, which involve flour, oil, and frankincense (2), and peace offerings, which involve an animal without blemish (3). Then Moses is instructed about sin offerings for various situations in which someone sins unknowingly and comes to realize it. These situations include for priests, mostly cases of ritual uncleanliness, for the community, for princes, for private persons (4), for special cases, including touching something unclean unknowingly, and for guilt offerings (5). Then the Lord gives Moses the ritual instructions for the daily holocaust, for the daily cereal offering, for sin offerings (6), for guilt offerings, and for peace offerings. Also, the Israelites are not to eat animal fat or drink animal blood, and the portions of the offerings that are to be kept for the priests are described (7). Then the ceremony of ordination is described, including Aaron and his sons putting on the sacred vestments and being anointed with oil, followed by a sin offering and an ordination offering, and Aaron and his sons must remain in the meeting tent for seven days (8).

Reflections:
Since Leviticus is filled with sacrificial and ritual laws, it's not going to be easy to summarize, so I'm going to be vague. Otherwise, I'd just be re-writing what's already written.

Leviticus is often a difficult book for people to read, and I can't say it's been a breeze for me so far. While it is interesting to see the customs, not just of the people, but from God, it can be difficult for me to relate to this. So far, I just feel that there is great reverence associated with public worship AKA liturgy, and it tends to be thrown out the window these days for the sake of just doing church the way that looks/feels/sounds good. We'll see how the rest of the book goes.

Day 23: Exodus 37-40

Summaries:
Bezalel continues to build as instructed, building the ark, the propitiatory, the table, the lampstand, the altar of incense, the altar of holocausts, and the court. Then the amount of materials used is listed (37-38). The vestments too are created just as described, and when all the work is finished, it is presented to Moses, and he blesses the people (39). God then instructs Moses on how to erect the Dwelling, how to put it all together, and annoint it. Then he is to clothe Aaron and his sons with the vestments. Moses finishes the work, and the glory of the Lord fills the Dwelling (40).

Reflections:
Again, it is great to see God's commands being actualized through his people, and the work being finished. What a blessing it is that God's people don't have to make up a form of worship, for God has revealed how it is to be done. And when things get cloudy and confused, he continues to reveal himself further and further, culminating in the full revelation of himself in the person of Jesus Christ.

Quotes:
I really liked the final 5 verses of Exodus, so here they are.
Exodus 40: 34-38 - "Then the cloud covered the meeting tent, and the glory of the LORD filled the Dwelling. (35)Moses could not enter the meeting tent, because the cloud settled down upon it and the glory of the LORD filled the Dwelling. (36) Whenever the cloud rose from the Dwelling, the Israelites would set out on their journey. (37) But if the cloud did not lift, they would not go forward; only when it lifted did they go forward. (38) In the daytime the cloud of the LORD was seen over the Dwelling; whereas at night, fire was seen in the cloud by the whole house of Israel in all the stages of their journey."

Day 22: Exodus 33-36

(Falling a bit behind, so trying to stay updated)

Summaries:
Moses would often go into the meeting tent and speak with God, and Moses pleads with God for his guidance and protection. God says he will continue to guide them, because Moses has found favor with him, and is God's "intimate friend" (33). God tells Moses to cut two tablets to replace the old ones, and then gives Moses his laws, such as do not make molten gods, keep the feast of Unleavened Bread, consecrate all first-borns, don't work on the sabbath, and others. Moses returned with the tablets, and God's radiance shone on his face, so he veiled it when around the Israelites (34). Moses announced the Sabbath regulations, then asks for materials, which people contribute, and for workers/artisans, and capable people all come together (35). God chose Bezalel and Oholiab to use their skills and help lead the construction of the sanctuary, and they build the tent cloth, coverings, boards, and veil, just as God instructed then to do (36).

Reflections:
Moses' intimacy with God is fascinating. They way they talk and interact just blows my mind. It's interesting to see how God speaks through him, but also listens to his pleas. It makes me want to examine my own prayer life and long for that same intimacy, which I think God has extended to all people, especially as seen through his Incarnation and sending Jesus to be with His people.

Also, the part where they take up the collection of materials and need artisans felt like the kind of heartwarming movie/story where they call on all the people to help and contribute for something, and everyone comes out in abundance. It's great to see what the people of God are capable of doing when they come together.

Day 21: Exodus 29-32

Summaries:
God continues giving Moses instructions, such as the ordination rites for Aaron and the priests, and instructs how the ordination sacrifices are to be done (29). They are also to have an altar for burning incense, they are to take a census and have a tax, have a bronze laver for washing, oil for anointing, and special incense, as per God's instructions (30). God explains that he has provided men with the abilities necessary to build and create all that he has commanded, and reminds Moses of the importance of observing the sabbath (31). Meanwhile, the Israelites at the bottom of the mountain lose hope in Moses, and ask Aaron to construct a god to worship, so after collecting their gold, constructs a golden calf (which may have been a symbol of God's strength, not necessarily another god altogether, but still a violation of the idolatry law). As Moses came down the mountain with the tablets, he was furious with their actions and threw down the tablets (32)

Reflections:
I was delighted to read, after pages and pages of these complicated instructions and blueprints and designs, that God reassured Moses that he has blessed individuals with the gifts necessary to construct that which he has commanded. It reminded me that we all have a purpose. I may not be able to influence the world the way you can, but I can do what I can with the gifts God gave me. An eye cannot do what a foot can do, but they are both important parts of the body. So together, God has constructed the Body, the Church.

Quotes:
Exodus 29:43 - "There, at the altar, I will meet the Israelites; hence, it will be made sacred by my glory."

Days 19-20: Exodus 21-28

Summaries:
God continues to give Moses laws, such as how to treat slaves, how to repay injuries (mostly eye-for-eye), how to treat burglars, how to handle loans, how to celebrate feasts, etc, and God promises to reward those who worship only Him (21-23). Moses, Aaron, and 70 elders are called up on the mountain, but only Moses is to be closest to God, where God will give him the tablets with the commandments (24). God instructs Moses to take collections from the people to make a sanctuary, and instructs him how to build an Ark for the tablets , a table, a lampstand, the Dwelling, the tent cloth, the wooden walls for the Dwelling, the veils, the altar of holocausts, the court for the Dwelling, and instructs about priestly vestments (25-28).

Reflections:
Sometimes I wish that God would speak to someone important in our modern times and just be very specific about what He wants. Although, after thinking this, I heard it said that what the instructions from God to Moses were for the Israelites, the letter to the Hebrews is for the Church. Interesting to think that just because God is no longer telling us specifics on how many dimensions his churches should be, he gives instructions as to how our Church is to be.

Day 18: Exodus 17-20

Summaries:
The Israelites complain (again) about not having water, and God provides water from a rock, and with God's help (only while Moses' staff is raised), the Israelites defeat Amalek in a little battle (17). Moses' father-in-law Jethro comes and is told of all that God has done, and he advises Moses to appoint judges to help people with questions of morality, so Moses does this (18). God tells Moses that if they follow Him, they will be a kingdom of priests, a holy nation, and the people obey. God also comes to Moses in a cloud on the mountain, and he is advised that no one else is to come up the mountain (19). God gives Moses hte commandments which the people are to follow (20).

Reflections:
I found it interesting that Moses was the principal means of judgment and morality prior to Jethro's advise. Without laws or established rules, the people would bring their disagreements to Moses, since God spoke through him so often, and he would be their means of knowing what is right. But as Jethro tells hi in 18:21, he must appoint good and holy men to act as officers over groups. Moses still settles large disputes, but the rest goes to these lower judges. It reminds me of two things: first, how we have Supreme Court judges, as well as everyday judges for smaller disputes. But also it reminds me of the way the Church has the Pope, who is the Bishop of Rome, as well as other Bishops, and priests, each doing their part in helping to guide the people of God. If the Pope was supposed to be in charge of everyone by himself, it would never work. But that is why we have these holy men who lead us, all as part of one universal Church.

Quotes:
Exodus 19:8 - "The people all answered together, 'Everything the Lord has said, we will do."

Calendar

I made a Google calendar to document my progress and hopes for now through February. I have an Excel sheet with the entire year, but I figured for now I'll just post through the rest of February, which is essentially the Pentateuch. After looking at some logistics, there will be some days with 5 chaps and some with 3, and later on it gets more interesting (I'm giving Psalm 119 it's own day).

But here's the calendar for now.

Day 17: Exodus 13-16

Summaries:
The Israelites are told that they are to celebrate the Passover feast every year in that month, and all the first-borns are to be consecrated (13). They travel through the desert toward the Red Sea, and God open the sea for them to cross, but the Egyptians chasing after them get devoured by the sea and die (14). The Israelites sing a song of praise (15). The Israelites complained a lot as they traaveled, but God provided quial to eat and manna (bread from Heaven) which was to be collected every day except not on the sabbath. They ate the manna for 40 years (16).

Reflections:
Just reflecting on Pharaoh and how he continually agreed to let the Israelites go but then changed his mind, I was reminded of how many many people, in the sight of tragedy or loss, or great trails, find themselves turning to God for answers, but then once the trial is over or the grieving has passed, God is left out of their lives. They are never fully convinced of God's love, but are merely looking for comfort. While finding comfort in God during tough times is certainly good and can lead to great conversion, it too often never gets past comfort. There is a need for deep real conversion, such as how the Israelites beheld the great power of the Lord and fear him and believe in him.

I was also very interested in the language that God uses as he talks to Moses about what will happen to the Egyptians. Ex 14:18 says "The Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I receive glory through Pharaoh and his chariots and charioteers." What does God mean by "receive glory"? They are killed by the crashing waves of the Red Sea. It makes me wonder, is this more about God's battle versus Satan and evil, and destroying those who are overtaken by evil? Is there an inner conversion at the moment before death in the Egyptians as they see the waves approaching and realize that the Lord is God and they have made a mistake? Do these waves cleanse them of their sins just before death so they can eventually be with God in Heaven? I don't know. I'll have to spend more time thinking about this one.

I have many thoughts on Manna, but I'll have to post them another time.

Quotes:
Exodus 15:13 - "In your mercy you led the people you redeemed; in your strength you guided them to your holy dwelling."

Day 16: Exodus 9-12

Summaries:
God continues to inflict signs, or plagues, upon the Egyptians through Moses, and Pharaoh remains obstinate. Pestilence, boils, hail (9), locusts, and darkness (10). All the while, the Israelites are spared. The final plague is described as the death of all the first-borns, but the Israelites will be spared, and Pharaoh refuses to listen (11). Then God explains how the Passover Ritual is to be performed. Essentially, it involves a lamb, unleavened bread, bitter and herbs, and God will kill the first-born in every house except those with the blood of the lamb on the doorposts. And every generation is to celebrate this memorial feast. The Israelites did as God (through Moses) commanded, and the first-born Egyptians died, and Pharaoh allows the Israelites to go to worship the Lord as they had requested. (for a fuller explanation of Passover rules/regulations, read ch 12)

Reflections:
I find the Passover ritual fascinating, especially in it's connection with the sacrifice of Christ on the cross, as well as with the Eucharist. I don't fully understand all the connections, but as the footnote in the bible mentions regarding the instruction not to break any of the lamb's bones, "the application of these words to our Lord on the cross shows that the Paschal lamb was a prophetic type of Christ, immolated to free men from the bondage of sin."

I also think it's harder to understand the ritual since the culture is so different. I'm curious to know how the Jews of today celebrate Passover, as well as what it was really like back then to celebrate this.

Ultimately, it's wonderful to see God's plan for man's salvation coming to fruition through leading his people out of slavery.

Quotes:
Exodus 12:26-27 - "When your children ask you, 'What does this rite of yours mean?' you shall reply, 'This is the Passover sacrifice of the LORD, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt; when he struck down the Egyptians, he spared our houses.' "

Day 15: Exodus 5-8

Summaries:
Upon Moses' request to let the Israelites go into the desert for 3 days to offer sacrifice to God, Pharaoh refused and demanded the Israelite slaves work even harder (5). Moses feels discouraged, and God tells him that he is the Lord who will free the Israelites, but the Israelites don't believe Moses (6). Moses and Aaron again go before Pharaoh, and their staff turns into a snake as a sign, but Pharaoh remains unimpressed. As the first plague against Pharaoh for refusing to listen, God (through Moses and Aaron) changes the sea into blood, but Pharaoh is obstinate (7). For the second, third, and fourth plagues, the city was swarmed with frogs, gnats, and flies (respectively), though not upon God's people, and though Pharaoh asked Moses to pray for the creatures' removal and even once promised to let them go into the desert to offer sacrifice, he wouldn't let them go (8).

Reflections:
There were a few things that came to my mind with these readings.

First, seeing how God says that despite his signs he will make Pharaoh obstinate, it makes me think about how God always has a plan. It is unfortunate that I just attended the March for Life upon the 37th anniversary of Roe v Wade (unfortunate because it's been 37 years), but maybe the time hasn't yet come. That doesn't mean we stop fighting, but we must press on and know that even if the ruling doesn't change today, it will, and it must. Continue in Faith, Hope, and Love.

Second, it seems that some people don't feel threatened by anything, even hell, and so they feel no reason to turn towards God and believe. Pharaoh was like "eh, the water turned to blood. oh well." But everyone has a breaking point, and eventually there is a way for God to break into someone's life.

Day 14: Exodus 1-4

Summaries:
After Joseph is gone, a new Pharaoh feels threatened by the growing Israelite population and forgets about all that Joseph did for the Egyptian people, so he decides to rise up and enslave the Jews, and orders that Hebrew baby boys be thrown into the river (1). A Levite placed her child in a basket in the river, and Pharaoh's daughter finds him and asks a Hebrew woman (the boy's real mother) to nurse the child (Moses) (2). The Lord appears to Moses in the Burning Bush and calls him to lead the Israelites out of slavery. Moses asks for God's name, to which God replies "I AM who am" (3). Moses is given signs that God will perform to show his validity, and Aaron is chosen as Moses' assistant (4).

Reflections:
Well, this is the beginning of the next book. It's great to see God's constant reminder of the covenant he made with his people, regenerated from generation to generation, and re-actualized in the calling of Moses. Moses is humble in saying to God "Who am I?", a thought that many of us tend to have when we think God might be calling us to do great things, but who are we but God's people, the Body of Christ, the Church, and as such we are all called to do God's work on earth for the salvation of all his people.

Reflection: Genesis

I'd like to just reflect on Genesis for a moment, and maybe do this after each completed book.

First of all, it feels good to feel like I've accomplished/completed something. Sure, Revelation 22 is a long way away, but to finish the first book of the Bible feels very rewarding. 50 Chapters down, 1300-ish to go. It hasn't always been easy, and I've certainly fallen behind on a few occasions, but I can do this, with God's help, of course.

Now onto Genesis. From the creation of man to the death of Joseph. 50 chapters of goodness. I felt pretty familiar with this book up until Abraham. There are a lot of stories about key people that I had little to no recollection of. So I found it very helpful to re-read this book and blog about it.

I didn't necessarily find the time to do too much reflecting, but for this book, I feel that it is good that I'm becoming more familiar with what happened. Getting to know the content. I feel like I gained a better understanding of how God and man related with each other early on, and how they were united through covenantal relationships.

I would certainly recommend to anyone who hasn't read Genesis to go ahead and read it. I mean after all, you've gotta know how it all started.

Days 12-13: Genesis 45-50

Summaries:
Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers and sends them home to bring the whole family to Egypt, and Jacob is thrilled at the news (45). On the road to Egypt, God assures Jacob not to be afraid. Jacob and his descendants are listed, and then Joseph greets his father and brothers (46). Pharaoh allows Joseph's family to settle in the land, and Joseph continues to deal with the famine over the people (47). Jacob blesses Joseph's sons as his own (Ephraim and Manasseh), assuring them that God will bless them too (48). Jacob speaks of each of his sons, and then dies (49). As was promised, his sons bury him with Abraham and Isaac. Joseph's brothers make sure that Joseph has forgiven them, and Joseph assured them that all is forgiven and they will be provided for. Before his death, Joseph assures his brothers that God will be with them (50).

Reflections:
There is so much good in Joseph's story. The forgiveness of his brothers, the reuniting of Jacob with his son, the continuation of God's covenant from Jacob to Joseph and then the hopes of future generations. It is great to see how God blessed his people and made them his own. And I love how God took something horrible such as Joseph's brothers' attempt to kill him and turned it into a means to provide for the people, and even for those bothers, and Joseph recognizes this. It makes me think about the two years of my life after graduating from college, searching for a job with my degree, I would get frustrated with not getting hired here or there, but I tried to think that God had somebody else for each position, and God had something different/better for me. It wasn't easy, but now that I've found a job, I can look back on the past two years and see how God was preparng me for this, and that there was a lot of good in those two years.

Quotes:
Gen. 50:19-21 "Have no fear. Can I take the place of God? Even though you meant harm to me, God meant it for good, to achieve his present end, the survival of many people. Therefore have no fear." (Joseph, to his brothers who begged for forgiveness and asked to be his slaves).

Day 11: Genesis 41-44

Summaries:
Pharaoh has troubling dreams, and frees Joseph from jail to interpret them, and Joseph interprets them to mean that there will be 7 years of abundance, followed by 7 years of severe famine. Pharaoh appoints Joseph a high position and sets him in charge of saving up for the famine (41). When Joseph's brothers and father are suffering from the famine, the brothers come to Egypt to buy food, they do not recognize Joseph, so he messes with them a bit, and then sends them back with much food and with money (42). Eventually the brothers need to return for more food, but they were told not to return without their other brother Benjamin, so they bring him, and Joseph has a great feast for them (43). Joseph sends them off but has them captured and brought back, and Judah begs for mercy and explains that they must return Benjamin to their father (44).

Reflections:
It's interesting to see Joseph mess around with his brothers who treated him so badly. Since they don't realize that it is their brother, he is able to get a lot out of them, but it's good to see that he doesn't abuse his power and be cruel to them. He is very honorable and noble.

Day 10: Genesis 37-40

Summaries:
Joseph has dreams about being a king, and his jealous brothers capture him and plot to kill or sell him, but he is taken to Egypt, and Joseph's brothers tell their father that he was killed by a beast (37). Judah has kids who are bad and they die, and his wife dies, so he goes to find a new one, and sleeps with a town harlot who is really his daughter-in-law Tamar in disguise, and she gets pregnant and gives birth to twins (38). Joseph was blessed by God and became Pharaoh's assistant, and Pharaoh's wife tries to get Joseph to sleep with her, but he refuses, so she tells Pharaoh that he advanced on her, and Joseph gets thrown in the jail, but God remains with him (39). Joseph correctly interprets the dreams of two others in jail (40).

Reflections:
It's reassuring to read that despite the times when Joseph is being tempted or in jail, the Scriptures keep saying that God remains with him. It helps me see that sometimes we face temptations, and it doesn't mean that God isn't present, but that God is calling us to remain with Him, and He is with us. And even if we do fall, or if we are in times that don't seem too great, God remains with us. We just need to remember to remain with God.

Day 9: Genesis 33-36

Summaries:
Jacob and Esau meet, and Jacob asks for forgiveness, and Esau graciously forgives him and welcomes him and his family (33). Jacob's daughter Dinah is raped by Schechem, who "loves" her and begs his father Hamor to get Dinah to marry her, so Hamor talks to Jacob and asks that their peoples be allowed to inter-marry and share the land, to which Jacob agrees, so long as all the males become circumcised, so they agree and become circumcised. Then Jacob's sons kill the males and capture the wealth and women out of revenge for their sister, but bringing Jacob great trouble (34). Jacob and his family rid themselves of other gods and go to Bethel, where God tells Jacob that he will bless his descendants and make an assembly of nations stem from him, and that he shall be called Israel (35). Then the descendants of Esau (36).

Reflections:
I found the whole thing with Jacob and Esau to be a very good read. Seeing Esau so willingly forgive his brother Jacob, who returns so afraid that his brother will not forgive him, and so ready to offer him anything for his forgiveness, was quite moving.
Then the whole encounter with the rape and then the agreements, the circumcisions, and then the revenge. Wow. I didn't see that coming. I was starting to think that God had made something good out of a bad situation by using the horrible circumstance of Dinah's into a chance to make these people into God's people, but after the circumcision, Dinah's brothers took matters into their own hands.
I really like Jacob, and he's a character that I did not know much about before re-reading this. I'm feeling like I'm starting to understand the main lineage too, such as Abraham -> Isaac -> Jacob -> Joseph, and who they are and what they did. It's very cool to see this all unfold.

Quotes:
Gen. 33:4 - "Esau ran to meet (Jacob), embraced him, and flinging himself on his neck, kissed him as he wept."

Gen. 35:19 - "Thus Rachel died; and she was buried on the road to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem)." I found it interesting to see that Jacob's wife Rachel, whose later descendant is Jesus, was buried in the place that Jesus was born.

Day 8: Genesis 29-32

Summaries:
Jacob falls in love with Rachel, but accidentally marries her sister Leah first, but then works towards marrying Rachel, too. Because Leah was not loved, she bore children (Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah), but Rachel did not (29). Since the women are now barren, Jacob has two children with Rachel's maidservant, and then two with Leah's maidservant. Then Leah had three more children, and then Rachel bore a son named Joseph. Jacob outwits (uncle) Laban into giving him the stronger animals (30). Jacob flees, and Laban catches up, but God told Laban not to harm Jacob, so they make a pact not to harm each other (31). Jacob is returning to his homeland, so he hopes to make peace with Esau. Jacob wrestles with an angel all night, and is told he shall be called Israel "because you have contended with divine and human beings and have prevailed" (32:29).

Reflections:
This feels like a soap opera. Or Melrose Place. But no, this is the Word of God. This is God's plan of salvation. It makes me think that, while the specific actions may not have been what God would have wanted for his people, I guess he uses the free actions of man and blesses his people anyway. For though one generation might be bad, it seemed like from every 7-14 generations came someone else who brought the people back to God. Now, where's Moses and the Law when you need him?

Quotes:
Genesis 32:11 - "I am unworthy of all the acts of kindness that you have loyally performed for your servant." (Jacob, to God)

Days 6-7: Genesis 21-28

Summaries:
Sarah gives birth to Isaac, and God promises to still bless Ishmael (21). God tests Abraham's faith by asking him to sacrifice his son Isaac, but God stops him at the sight of his great faith, with Isaac unharmed, and God promises to bless him and his descendants, making him the father of a great nation (22). In ch 23, Sarah dies, and Abraham purchases a worthy burial place. In order for Isaac to marry a worthy wife, Abraham sends his servant to find someone, and God hears his prayer and finds for him Rebekah, who is allowed to go with the servant to be with Isaac, and they marry (24). Isaac and Rebekah give birth to twins, Esau and Jacob, who quarreled even in the womb, and Jacob tricks Esau out of is birthright (25). God appeared to Isaac, so he builds an altar for the Lord, and Abimelech asks for Isaac's and the Lord's blessing (26). Jacob pretends to be Esau and tricks Isaac into receiving a special blessing that was meant for Esau (27). Jacob dreams of stairs that lead to heaven, and vows that the Lord will be his God (28)


Reflections:
These are some very interesting stories about Abraham and his descendants. It's interesting when you read the Bible and not everyone does what is right at all times, but there are great lessons to be learned from them.
We can especially learn from Abraham and his great faith. After so long without a child, he is blessed with his son Isaac, but then asked to sacrifice him. Out of faith in the God that blessed him with this child, he agrees, and is rewarded for this faith. (Of course, God didn't want him to kill his son, but to see this faith)

Day 5: Genesis 17-20

Summaries:
God made a covenant with Abram, making him the "father of a host of nations." To keep the covenant, all males must be circumcised. God also changes Abram to Abraham and Sarai to Sarah, and promises that Sarah will give birth to a son, despite her age and being barren, and the son will be named Isaac, and he will be a great ruler. Ishmael too will be blessed (ch 17). The Lord appeared to Abraham and Sarah and said they will have a son at this time next year, and Sarah laughs. The Lord then heads to Sodom to see whether to destroy it or not, for the people are wicked, and Abraham intercedes, saying please do not destroy it if the Lord can find even 10 innocent people (18). The angels are welcomed by Lot, and he and his family are told to leave while Sodom and Gomorrah and the Plain are destroyed, and Lot's wife becomes salt for looking back on the city while fleeing. Lot's daughters get him drunk and sleep with him to bear sons, Moab (hence Moabites) and Ammon (Ammonites) (19). God has mercy on Abimelech who unkowingly sins and takes Abraham's wife. When the wrong is made right, Abraham intercedes for Abimelech, and the Lord blesses him and his people (20).

Reflections:
The quote below from Gen 18:14 is one that has become cliche today, but is very important to remember. We shouldn't laugh upon the thought that God can do something great and extraordinary. Yes, Sarah was old, but God was able to make her able to bear a son.

Also, I thought it was interesting in ch 20 seeing the king of Gerar sin out of ignorance, and be forgiven for it. But then, when his eyes are open and he has no excuse for sinning, God says "If you do not return (Sarah), you can be sure that you and all who are yours will certainly die" (20:7). That's the tricky thing about telling people about God: some people would rather continue denying God's existence so that they can keep sinning out of "ignorance," but once their eyes are opened and they know the truth, they have no excuse for sinning, and they become guilty.

Quotes:
Gen. 18:14 - "Is anything too marvelous for the Lord to do?"

Day 4: Genesis 13-16

Summaries:
(lengthy, but I found it interesting) Abram and Lot had too much among them to stay together, so they decide to split up. Lot goes to the Plain and settles near Sodom, while Abram is in Canaan, and the Lord tells Abram that he gives this land to him and his descendants, and his descendants will be countless like the dust (ch 13). After many kings battle, Sodom is captured, including Lot, and when Abram hears, he sends his people to fight back, and they are victorious. Lot is returned, and Melchizedek, king of Salem, blesses Abram, and offers him all the possessions, but Abram asks just for what is left-over (14). The Lord then tells Abram that, though he is currently childless, God is his shield, and will make his descendants as many as all the stars. Abram offers a sacrifice to the Lord, and a covenant is made (15). Sarai told her husband Abram to sleep with her maid Hagar to hopefully bear a son, but when Hagar became pregnant, Sarai abused her to the point of running away. The Lord's messenger told Hagar to return, submit to the abuse, for her son would be named Ishmael, and his descendants would be numerous, so she returned and gave birth to Ishmael. (16)

Reflections:
God had a plan, and I am watching it unfold. Pretty awesome.

Quotes:
Gen 15:1 - "Fear not, Abram! I am your shield; I will make your reward very great."

Day 3: Genesis 9-12

Summaries:
God's covenant with Noah/mankind, and Noah's son's sin in ch 9. The descendants of each of Noah's sons and their regions is listed in ch 10. Ch 11 is about the Tower of Babel and God scattering the people and confusing their language, followed by lineage from Shem to Abraham. In ch 12, the Lord calls Abram to go to a distant land, so he and his wife Sarai and his nephew Lot travel to Egypt.

Reflections:
In ch 9 v 20-21, Noah plants a vineyard and drinks the wine. I find it amazing that wine is something that man has been capable of creating for so long. Wine does not jsut happen, it is not just found, but it is made by the work of human hands, just like bread. It has always fascinated me that God then would choose bread and wine to become his body and blood, two things that cannot be found unless they are created by man.

It was interesting to see in ch 11 how in the midst of all this lineage, it is Abram's wife Sarai that it says is barren. Surrounded by so many other family members and their large families, you have Abram and Sarai, who is barren. God seems to choose the unlikely to do great things.

Quotes:
Gen 12:11-12 - "(Abram) said to his wife Sarai: 'I know well how beautiful a woman you are. When the Egyptians see you, they will say, 'She is his wife'; then they will kill me, but let you live.' " (I know it's completely out of context, but there was something romantic about this.)

St. Jerome, Pray for Us!

Just as a brief side-note, I wanted to say something about one of my main inspirations for this year-long Bible-reading journey.

Taken from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 133:
The Church "forcefully and specifically exhorts all the Christian faithful. . . to learn 'the surpassing knowledge of Jesus Christ,' by frequent reading of the divine Scriptures. 'Ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ.' "

I love this, especially the last part of the quote, which is from St. Jerome. "Ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ." I feel that right now, the way God is calling me into a deeper relationship with Him is through the Scriptures.

And so, I'm calling on St. Jerome to pray for me and my fellow readers as we journey towards a deeper relationship with God through his Word.

St. Jerome, Pray for Us!

Day 2: Genesis 5-8

Summaries:
Ch 5 is the lineage from Adam to Noah, with ch 6-8 being the story of Noah's ark through when Noah gets off the ark and offers holocausts to God.

Reflections:
I saw a connection between two separate verses, which together ultimately say: Noah, a good man, walked with God, (6:9-10), and did just as the Lord had commanded him (7:5). Noah is a great example. He makes me want to be a good man who walks with God, and it helps me to know how to get there. It's the same message that Mary tells the people at the wedding at Cana regarding her son, "Do whatever He tells you." Simple, right?

Day 1: Genesis 1-4

(Wow, there's a lot that can be said, but I must be brief)

Summaries:
The first story of creation (the seven days) in ch 1, the second story of creation (formation of man and woman) in ch 2. The fall of man in ch 3, followed by Cain, Abel, and Seth in ch 4.

Reflections:
"In the beginning, when God created..." Of these very first six words of Genesis, it's amazing how much I was struck by the word "when." It's as if this implies that it's not even a question that God created everything, but that the story must be told about this creation. Instead of simply saying "In the beginning, God created..." as it is commonly translated, it says "when God created..." and then goes on to tell about it. Not enough people can speak with such confidence in God's creation.

Chapter 2 shows the complementarity of man and woman from their creation. One was made from the other, for each other. And no other companion will do the same.

I also thought it was interesting how in chapter 3, upon looking at the forbidden tree, Eve saw that it was "good for food, pleasing to the eyes, and desirable for gaining wisdom." Isn't it amazing how many things are so similar and yet lead us to sin? The tree itself was not evil, but to disobey God was the great sin.

Lastly, I liked seeing in the beginning of chapter 4 that Adam and Eve recognize that they were able to conceive a son "with the help of the lord." Oh, that we all would see it like this, and not give the glory to ourselves...

Quotes:
Gen 1:27 - "God created man in his image; in the divine image he created him; male and female he created them."
Gen 2:23 - "(speaking about the woman) the man said: 'This one, at last, is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; This one shall be called 'woman,' for out of 'her man' this one has been taken.'"
Gen 3:15 - "I will put enmity between you (the serpent) and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; He will strike at your head, while you strike at the heel."

How It's Going to Work:

Alright, tomorrow will start my bible-blogging journey. But in case you're wondering how this will work, here's my plan:

I added up the total number of chapters in the Bible. After doing some math, I cam up with a way to read the whole thing in a year that doesn't seem too complicated. Every day, I will read 4 chapters in the Bible. That's it. Four chapters a day, and in just under a year, I will have read the whole thing.

My goal then is to blog about it each day (not committing to blogging on weekends though) where I would say what I read and then either put a few quotes that stood up to me, a reflection, or a summary.

I greatly fear falling behind and then feeling like I have to catch up a lot, but I think with enough commitment, I can do this. Plus, I'll need some prayers, so if anyone is following this, please pray for me.

And hey, why not join along? I'd love to have some company. Let me know if you wanna join me in my Bible reading journey.

All this will start tomorrow as I read Genesis 1-4. I'm very excited, and I can't wait to grow closer to Christ through the Scriptures.

A long time ago...

...I tried to read the whole Bible. I knew it was something I needed to do.

But alas, I didn't make it.

However, that was then. I learned a lot from the progress I did make, but I knew that I felt dissatisfied with not finishing.

This is my time. It's 2010, a new year, a new decade, and I'm ready for a challenge.

Half of the challenge will be to read the bible before the end of 2010.
The other half will be blogging about it. (I'm horrible about keeping up with a blog.

If you're interested in following my journey, then follow me and my blog. Stay tuned for more details as to how this will go down. Thanks for reading!