Deuteronomy 31:1-8 / Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14
The number 40 has a significant and also an important meaning in the Bible.
There is the account of the Flood after it rained for 40 days and 40 nights.
There is also the account of the Israelites wondering in the desert for 40 years.
And then there is also the account of Jesus spending 40 days and nights in the wilderness.
Whether it is in the measurement of days or years, 40 is a long time, especially when it is raining for that long or fasting and praying for that number of days.
More so if it is in those number of years spent in the wilderness, it can be quite unimaginable.
The 1st reading tells us that Moses was 120 years old when he addressed the people of Israel. That was probably his last address to the people before they crossed into the Promised Land, a land which he won't set foot on.
But looking back at the life of Moses, we can see that the number 40 was very significant for him.
He was 40 years old when he fled from Pharaoh. He was 80 years old when he led the people of Israel out of slavery from Egypt. And he was 120 years old when he made that last address to the people.
The number 40 represents a period of probation, trial and chastisement, as well as a renewal and a new beginning.
Moses had gone through three sets of 40 years in his life. He had gone through the experiences of probation, trial and chastisement. And now God is preparing him for a new beginning in eternity.
So when we go through the difficult times of trials and struggles and difficulties, let us also know that there will be a renewal and a new beginning.
Let us trust in the Lord God, just as Moses trusted in Him.