Spirituality for Beginners

Fr. Bede's almost-daily reflections. When it comes to the spiritual life, we're all beginners. I also send these out by email. Contact me at bcamera@anselm.edu. God bless!





Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Manna, part 2

What can the manna teach us?

  • ·         It was supplied each day (except the Sabbath—a double portion was given the day before). Similarly, each day God gives us what we need. NOTE THIS: Even when we don’t ask for it.

  • ·         It needed to be gathered early in the morning. I imagine it was part of the people’s morning prayer. What does “early in the morning” indicate for you? Is it chronological time, or is it a symbol of something else?

  • ·         The people were given just what they needed for that particular day. God gives us just what we need, no more, no less. Sometimes we have trouble with this and feel that we haven’t been given enough, or that we’ve been given too much to handle.

  • ·         If the people couldn’t trust, and tried to gather extra manna one day, it turned putrid the next day.  No stockpiling allowed. No hoarding. Just trust.

  • ·         The Book of Wisdom tells us that the manna “provided every pleasure and [was] suited to every taste . . . it was suited to everyone’s liking.” (Wisdom 16:20ff). God is that flexible with us as well, and the blessing is according to the capacity of the one who receives it.

  • ·         “Give us this day our daily bread.”


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