STIFF-NECKED PEOPLE
EXOD. 32:7–14; PSALM 106; John 5:31–47
“You place your hopes on Moses, but Moses will be your accuser. If you really believed him, you would believe me too, since it was I that he was writing about.” Jesus made this statement to show that his listeners were haughty and stubborn. The miracles done never left a deep impression on them. They did not even recognize that he had been sent by God the Father.
Today, there are people with blind mentalities; all that is done and demonstrated for enlightenment remains unproductive and fruitless. When the mind is blind, the eyes are useless. If our minds are not open to salvation, the things we see and hear cannot bring about transformation.
Exodus 32 describes them as stiff-necked people. They were blind to God’s faithfulness and love. And so, in the twinkle of an eye, they made gods for themselves. Oftentimes, we too find it difficult to stand up to the trials that come our way. In the face of tribulations, we easily subscribe to other gods. What is our mentality towards God’s saving plan? They made for themselves idols and worshipped them. There are some in the church who are still idolaters.
LET US PRAY
We invoke your mercy in humble prayer, O Lord, that we, your servants, may grow in faith and spirit; may we persevere sincerely in doing your will, so that we can come safely and soundly to the joys of Easter. Amen.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
