These final two readings from the book of Deuteronomy contain a certain sadness as the end of Moses life approaches. He had been a great hero to his people. He had resisted pharaoh to his face. He had demanded the release of the people in the name of God. He had led them out of slavery from Egypt; and in the desert he became God’s instrument for a new covenant--a deepening revelation of God’s relation and His love for his people. Even when the people rebelled, Moses interceded for them before God.

Now as death approached, he sadly realized that it was not to be his joy and privilege to lead the people into the Promised Land. That destiny would fall to Joshua and you will begin reading his story next week.

Like anyone else it required profound humility for Moses to accept, although not always understand, the plan of God. I spoke about this last Saturday with regard to Mary as an example for all of us. Somehow this holy man and woman were able to understand that God’s plan, although not always in accord with our own preferences, are always in our best interest. And like a little child we are best when we are docile and not rebellious.

God has a plan for each of us that no one else can do; and at times we may wish that God would go ask someone else; but it is God’s choice that reveals who is the best for the particular task at hand.

Even the Pope must accept his exalted position with childlike docility to God’s will. Accumulating thousands of miles in over 100 pilgrimages; despite deteriorating and almost crippling pain, he struggles on unless overruled by his doctors. Unless it becomes life threatening, and surely that will not be too far away.

Recall his predecessor John Paul I who held the shepherds staff of Peter for only 33 days and so many asked why--to what purpose. God alone knows the answer. Like Moses he was not the one privileged to lead the church into the Promised Future. Wjotyla became the Church’s Joshua. Such for his own good reasons was God’s decision.