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."