THE CALL AND MISSION OF MOSES AND IT'S RELEVANCE IN TODAY'S RELIGIOUS CONTEXT

THE CALL AND MISSION OF MOSES AND IT’S RELEVANCE TO TODAY’S RELIGIOUS CONTEXT INTRODUCTION Moses is one of the most significant figures in the Bible, known for his leadership, faith, and obedience to God’s call. His story begins in the book of Exodus, where he emerges as the chosen leader to deliver the Israelites from the bondage of slavery in Egypt. The journey of Moses—from his miraculous birth to his call by God at the burning bush, and his mission to lead God's people to the Promised Land—is filled with spiritual lessons that resonate with consecrated life and the mission of the Church today. 1. THE CALL OF MOSES Moses was born at a time when Pharaoh had ordered the killing of all Hebrew male infants. By God's providence, he was saved and raised in the Egyptian royal palace. Yet, despite his privileged upbringing, Moses was deeply aware of the suffering of his people. At the age of 40, he fled Egypt after killing an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew slave. He spent the next 40 years as a shepherd in Midian, seemingly forgotten and hidden from the grand purposes of life. The turning point in Moses’ life came when God called him from the midst of a burning bush (Exodus 3:1-10). The bush was aflame, yet not consumed—a powerful symbol of God's presence. God revealed His holy name, "I AM WHO I AM," and commissioned Moses to go back to Egypt to deliver the Israelites from slavery. This call was profound for several reasons: - Unexpected Timing: Moses was 80 years old and living a quiet, humble life as a shepherd. It reminds us that God often calls us at unexpected times, even when we feel unworthy or inadequate. - Personal Encounter with God: The burning bush symbolizes the mystery of God’s presence—holy, awe-inspiring, yet deeply personal. Moses' call was not a random task but a divine encounter, showing that any true mission is born out of a personal relationship with God. - Hesitation and Doubts: Moses initially resisted God’s call, citing his weaknesses, such as his inability to speak eloquently. But God reassured him that it is not by human strength but by His power that the mission would succeed. This speaks to the consecrated life, where often we feel weak and unworthy, but God uses our limitations for His greater glory. 2. THE MISSION OF MOSES Moses' mission was clear: to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and into freedom, guiding them to the Promised Land. However, it was not without challenges. The road to fulfilling his mission was paved with opposition, both from Pharaoh and the very people he was called to lead. Yet, through every obstacle, Moses relied on God's power, and each step forward was marked by a deeper revelation of God's will. - Intercession and Leadership: Moses stood as a mediator between God and His people, interceding on their behalf. His constant communication with God and his unyielding patience in leading a rebellious nation reflect the heart of a true servant leader. - The Ten Commandments: At Mount Sinai, Moses received the law from God, which formed the foundation for the Israelites’ covenant relationship with God. This covenantal relationship is similar to consecrated life today—where individuals and communities dedicate themselves to live according to God's divine will, in obedience, chastity, and poverty, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. - Perseverance and Trust: Despite numerous trials, such as complaints from the Israelites, opposition from Pharaoh, and wandering in the desert for 40 years, Moses never gave up on his mission. His trust in God’s promise was unwavering. RELEVANCE OF MOSES’ CALL AND MISSION IN TODAY’S CONTEXT 1. Answering God’s Call with Humility and Courage Just as Moses encountered God in the burning bush, every consecrated person is called to a deep, personal relationship with God. The call to religious life, like Moses’ call, may come unexpectedly and at times when we feel least capable of fulfilling it. However, God's call is always accompanied by His grace. Moses reminds us that our limitations do not disqualify us from God's service; rather, they are the very avenues through which God works. In today’s world, where individualism and self-reliance are often glorified, Moses' story teaches us the virtue of humility and the importance of recognizing our need for God. His life encourages us to respond with faith when we are called to serve others, trusting that God equips those He calls. 2. Leadership as Servanthood Moses exemplified servant leadership. He was not driven by ambition or power, but by obedience to God and love for his people. His leadership was marked by deep compassion, humility, and perseverance. For consecrated communities, Moses’ leadership serves as a model. In a world where leadership is often equated with control or status, Moses shows us that true leaders are servants first—leaders who are willing to lay down their lives for others, to intercede for them, and to guide them towards freedom and deeper communion with God. 3. The Mission of Liberation Moses was called to set God's people free from slavery. Today, consecrated life involves a similar mission—freeing people from modern forms of slavery, be it poverty, injustice, ignorance, or sin. Just as Moses stood up against Pharaoh, today’s consecrated persons are called to stand against systems of oppression and work for the liberation of the marginalized and vulnerable. In the Church, consecrated men and women are often involved in ministries of education, healthcare, social justice, and spiritual direction, playing a critical role in helping people experience the love and freedom of God. This mission of liberation is at the heart of the Gospel and continues the prophetic tradition of Moses in the world today. 4. Perseverance in the Desert Moses spent 40 years leading the Israelites through the wilderness. Similarly, the journey of consecrated life is not always easy. There are times of spiritual dryness, community challenges, and personal struggles. Yet, Moses teaches us the importance of perseverance—of remaining faithful to God's call even when the way seems unclear or difficult. In today’s context, where instant results and success are often expected, the life of Moses encourages religious communities to embrace patience and trust in God's timing. The desert may be hard, but it is in the desert that we learn to rely more fully on God. CONCLUSION Moses’ life and mission offer powerful lessons for today's consecrated life and community living. His humility, perseverance, and deep relationship with God are models for those called to serve the Church and the world. His journey reminds us that every call from God is sacred, and every mission is rooted in His divine will. In a world filled with distractions, pressures, and challenges, the story of Moses continues to inspire and motivate us to respond courageously to God’s call, to lead with love and compassion, and to persevere in the face of trials, trusting that God is always with us. Just as Moses led the Israelites to freedom, so too are we called to be instruments of God’s liberating love in the world, guiding others to the true freedom found in Christ. Questions for Personal Reflection:* 1. *How do I perceive God's call in my own life?* - Am I attentive to His voice, especially in unexpected moments like Moses at the burning bush? 2. What doubts or fears hold me back from fully answering God's call? - How can I surrender my insecurities and trust in God's power working through my weaknesses? 3. In what ways can I be a servant leader like Moses, prioritizing the needs of others over my own desires? - How can I practice humility and perseverance in my daily responsibilities? 4. Am I patient and faithful during times of "spiritual desert" or difficulty, trusting in God’s guidance even when I don’t see immediate results? - How do I remain hopeful and connected to God during challenging seasons? 5. How am I living out the mission of liberation in my life? - Are there areas where I am called to be a voice for justice, healing, or freedom for those around me? Questions for Communitarian Reflection: 1. As a community, how are we collectively responding to God’s call? - Are we creating a space where each member can recognize and embrace their unique mission within the community? 2. What obstacles or doubts do we face as a community in fulfilling our mission, and how can we support one another in overcoming them? 3. How can we embody the servant leadership of Moses in our relationships with one another and in our ministry to those we serve? - Are we truly leading with love, compassion, and humility, especially towards the vulnerable? 4. What “modern-day Pharaohs” or systems of oppression do we need to confront as a community, and how can we work for the liberation of those enslaved by poverty, injustice, or sin? 5. In times of difficulty or spiritual dryness, how can we as a community foster an environment of faith and perseverance? - What practical steps can we take to strengthen our trust in God and support each other during challenging times? Sr. Elizabeth Rani cfmss