As we saw yesterday, Moses led the people by the power of God out of bondage and slavery, physical as well as spiritual; but he had to struggle, not only to keep them faithful, but even with his own frail humanity. Moses died short of entering the Promised Land.

Some would speculate that this was a punishment from God. Last week we heard in the reading: "Because you were not faithful to me in showing forth my sanctity before the Israelites, you shall not lead this community into the land which I will give them." What was this unfaithfulness? Commentators have differing opinions and we simply cannot be sure.

When I was younger, I was taught that it was an act of pride or presumption on the part of Moses who had been asked by God to strike the rock and water would come forth. Moses struck it twice instead of once, but is this a calloused act of disobedience that merits so great a punishment? If it is, then we all live in mortal jeopardy.

As I have prayed over texts throughout the years, I find the concern is not so much what Moses did, but rather what Moses failed to do. Moses had failed to make his people realize that the great marvels accomplished for them were the works of God and not of Moses Himself. In effect Moses failed to reveal God’s sanctity, God’s abiding presence with his people.

With Moses death, God immediately elected Joshua as leader of the people. Death over which we have no control is also part of God’s plan. (What we said yesterday in the opening paragraph about Moses cooperation with God’s plan can be also said, and will be tomorrow, about St. Maxmillian Kolbe -- there are interesting parallels.

There is also an interesting legend held among some Jewish people that Moses upon his death was assumed into heaven perhaps like Elijah. For Jews, Moses is the greatest prophet and leader; even greater than David. But there is no tomb. No place of honor. Highly unusual. Is there some truth to this legend? Is it not Elijah and Moses who appear with Jesus at the transfiguration?

There is no answer. There is nothing in Sacred Scripture or even as far as I know in the Jewish Talmud that makes this believable--but it is interesting.