First Reading:  Exodus 17:3-7

"Testing" and "Contention"

When is "enough" not enough?

The grumbling of the people in Exodus 17:3-7 reflected their general attitude. Even though they were freed from oppression and led by God through the wilderness, they still complained. Blessings were not enough. They wanted their needs and desires fulfilled immediately!

The story of the people's complaints and Moses' action were paralleled in Numbers 20:1-13. The later account (when Moses' struck the rock twice) explained the forty years of wandering. In either account, the needy attitude of the people stood in stark contrast to the immanent and constant presence of the Lord. No wonder the place of the test was named Massah ("Testing") and Meribah ("Contention")!

In the midst of Lent practice, we, too, might be tempted to complain and give up. But we would ignore the Lord close to us. For times of discomfort are times of challenge. If we can see beyond our own pettiness, we will see the Lord. In the same way the Israelites were challenged to see God's power.

How hard have lenten practices become at this half-way point in the season? How does God encourage you and keep you going?