The lectionary chooses Israel’s classic benediction as the Old Testament reading to help us reflect on Sunday’s gospel. The book of Numbers, the fourth book of the Pentateuch, begins with a census of the tribes in the wilderness of Sinai. Moses organizes the tribes into a camp with the tent of meeting in the middle. The Meeting Tent houses the Ark, which contains the tablets of the commandments.
Then Moses turns to his brother Aaron and organizes the tribe of Levi, the tribe that will serve the people as priests. Yahweh tells Moses to tell his brother Aaron how to bless the people.
The blessing refers to God’s face, which no one has ever seen. The imagery of the blessing makes God personal, kind, and gracious. The Creator God of this blessing is the God who does the impossible in Mary, who promises mercy to us forever.
Israel’s blessing from God
The Holy One said to Moses, “Speak to Aaron and his descendants and tell them: This is how you shall bless the Israelites. Say to them:
The Holy One bless and keep you.
The face of the Holy One shine upon you and be gracious to you.
The Holy One look upon you kindly and give you peace.
So shall Aaron and his descendants put my name upon the Israelites and I will bless them.
Numbers 6.22-27
- What blessings do you wish for your children?
- For what blessings do you hope from God?
- What is God’s greatest blessing to you?