Day 75: The keeping of vows

Numbers 30:1-16 This unique passage describes the laws regarding vows taken by women, primarily related to marriage and to vows taken while single. According to the culture OF THAT TIME, women were always subject to their fathers or husbands.


Deuteronomy Ch 29-30 These chapters elaborate on the covenant between Moses and the people at Moab. The content of these chapters reiterates the covenant made at Mt. Sinai (Horeb). This covenant largely reflects the Deuteronomic Code (cf. Chapters 12-26). (CCC 708)


Psalm 113 This is the first of six consecutive psalms of praise (or Hallel) in gratitude for Israel’s liberation from Egypt and their eventual arrival in the Promised Land. It touches upon both the transcendence and immanence of God, who is far beyond us in perfection and splendor but nevertheless present to us with his power and love. Nothing would stay in existence without the providential consent of his will. God, in his infinite mercy and love, is especially close to those who suffer afflictions. 


Looks far down: A more literal translation of the Hebrew might state that God “stoops” or “bends down” to be closer to those who surfer and to give them honor and joy. (Cf. Pope Benedict XVI, General Audience, May 18, 2005)


Praise the name of the Lord: God’s name must only be invoked with utmost respect and reverence. To abuse his name by profane language, blasphemy, or ridicule is an offense against the Second Commandment. 


He raises the poor...needy: This portion of the psalm expresses a praise that coincides with the words of Mary, who in the Magnificat exclaimed that the Lord has “exalted those of low degree” (Lk 1:52). (CCC 2143, 2378)

(*The Didache Bible RSV-CE Ignatius Edition, 2006)

Key Event 29: Covenant in Moab (Deuteronomy 29:1-29)

In Moab, God renews his covenant with Israel, giving them an expanded law code, which is expressed predominantly in Deuteronomy (Deut 29:1). These new laws are given in response to the BAAL OF PEOR episode (Num 25), in which Israel committed the twin sins of IDOLATRY and SEXUAL IMMORALITY.


Prayer by Fr. Mike: “Father in Heaven we do give you praise. We give you glory. We thank you for this day. We thank you for the gift of your Word. We thank you for the gift of your heart, because you share your heart with us by sharing your Word with us. In a special way, we give you praise for sharing the Word made Flesh, Jesus Christ, with us, and giving us access to your heart, Father. In Jesus Christ, and the power of your Holy Spirit, you give us access to your heart and we give you praise for that. Especially as we are coming closer and closer to the end of this desert wandering, and coming into the period of Conquest and Judges, we ask you to please give us courage, give us strength, give us a persistence and a perseverance to be able to continue to listen to your Word, to allow it to shape our heart. And above all, give us your Holy Spirit that we can have access to your heart and that we have the courage to pursue you with EVERYTHING WE ARE. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.”