From Monday of the 15 week of the year to Wednesday of the 19th week of the year we read from the Book of Exodus to the Book of Deuteronomy. Besides offering a description of the history of Israel from the time of its departure from Egypt to the frontier of the Promised Land, the Books of Exodus and Deuteronomy offer a biography of Moses, who dominates the events they describe.

The Book of Exodus begins with his birth, the Book of Deuteronomy ends with his death. He is a leader, lawgiver, intercessor and prophet for his people. 

In the gospels Jesus calls upon Moses as a witness to his life and ministry. Like him, Jesus takes on the plight of his people. He leads them to deliverance, he teaches them a way of life, he endures their murmuring and complaints, he feeds them bread in the wilderness, he pleads for their life and asks for death in their place.

As Moses brought life-giving water to his people, Jesus entered the Jordan to make it life-giving. Moses put up a brazen serpent to win pardon, Jesus became a saving sign nailed to a cross. 

As he began his journey from Galilee to Jerusalem, Jesus ascended a mountain where he was transfigured. Moses appeared with Elijah as witnesses to his mission as God’s Son. 

We usually put aside one day in the year to remember a saint. For 4 weeks this year we remember Moses, a friend of God and witness to Jesus Christ.