Moses' Prayer Is an Expression of God's Desire for His People

Dear Brothers and Sisters, continuing our catechesis on Christian Prayer, we now turn to the great prophetic figure of Moses. As the mediator between God and Israel, Moses is a model of intercessory prayer. We see this clearly in the episode of the golden calf. As Moses descends from Mount Sinai where he has spoken to God and received the gift of the law, he confronts both the infidelity of the people who now worship an idol of gold, and the god's powers.

Moses intercedes for his people, fully acknowledging the gravity of their sin. He also pleads with God to remember his mercy, to forgive their sin, and thus to reveal His saving power.

Moses' prayer of petition is an expression of God's own desire for the salvation of His people and His fidelity to the covenant. Through his intercessory prayer, Moses grows in deeper knowledge of the Lord and His mercy, and becomes capable of a life which extends to the total gift of self.

In this prayer Moses points beyond himself to the perfect intercessor who is Jesus, the Son of God, who brings about the new and eternal covenant in his blood, shed for the forgiveness of sin, and the reconciliation of all God's children.