Remember when Scotland was Catholic?
You shall not pass!
Photo by Fr. Barry Braum on Unsplash
Image: “Moses” by Michelangelo, circa 1514, in the Basilica of St Peter in Chains.
The “horns of light” are from St Jerome’s Latin translation of Exodus 34:29.
Plains of Moab — Mount Nebo, ca. 1200s B.C.
His breathing shallow, his eyes bright; Scripture says—to scan the horizon one last time. Overlooking Jericho, the air is thin atop Nebo; the sun bleeds gold across the ridges. Moses reclines on a cloak of woven goat hair, in the scented winds of dates and olive groves. The wind is a final caress from the God he knew, “face to face.” Israel waits below, hushed with bated breath. Heaven waits above, listening and loving.
Why do we intercede through saints, but not prophets?
Christians believe in the communion of saints, per the Credo. St John writes that saints’ prayers rise like incense before God (Rev 5:8) as they add their petitions to ours (Rev 8:3–4). Conversely, some argue prophets belong to the Old Covenant, therefore intercessional prayers are limited to canonized saints. This is illogical. In New Testament Gospels, Jesus and Moses appear together at the Transfiguration, see Matthew 17:1–8, Mark 9:2–8 and Luke 9:28–36. The witness present—St John—had no words, writing “we have seen His glory,” in John 1:14.
- The Catechism never isolates prophets as a separate category to “ask for intercession.” Moreover, by presenting Moses and Abraham as models of intercessory prayer (CCC 2577, 2634-5) and teaching that intercession continues in the communion of saints (CCC 956); it implies that God’s chosen prophets too, belong to the Body of Christ, whose prayers aid the faithful.
- September 4 was assigned as Moses’ feast day on the old Roman Catholic calendar to honor his accomplishments.
- For the Sacraments, nightly conscience examen and monthly confession; how would we accomplish this, if not for Moses’ heroic life that brought us the Law?
Based on these arguments and the resume below, please interview one of God’s hand-picked prophets for the role of interceding for us, our loved ones and all sinners in our earthly exile.
Resume of Moses the Prophet
Objective: Remain faithful, obey His law and trust Him to bring us home.
- Liberator of Slaves. Led 600,000 men on foot (Ex 12:37) with their families totaling 2–2.5 million, out of Egyptian slavery. Oversaw safe passage through the Red Sea meanwhile establishing a nation’s identity.
- 40 years’ Experience with Exile. Interned under Jethro, gaining experience in humility, discipline, and readiness for divine mission. Lived 40 years in Midian after fleeing Egypt. Responsible for all logistics for direct reports.
- Flock Size & Direct Reports. Functioned as CEO, Chief judge and Chief prophet to a population exceeding two million and their animals. Oversaw a hierarchy of 70 elders, who oversaw tribal heads and Levitical priests.
- Founder of Liturgy. Received the Ten Commandments, delivered legal and moral statutes that shaped rites of worship. Established the Old Testament priesthood, sacrifice and purity laws.
- Project Manager. Oversaw construction of the Tabernacle, ensuring that worship aligned with divine revelation. Other duties as assigned.
- Ordinations & Anointings. Anointed the prophet Joshua (Num 27:18–23), conferring spiritual authority and wisdom. Commissioned 70 elders (Num 11:24–25) when the Spirit rested upon them, totaling 71 ordinations per Scripture.
- Transfiguration Invitee. Presence confirms ongoing participation in salvation history and heavenly intercession, representing the fulfillment of Jesus’ Law.
- Weakness/Limitations. Struck the Meribah rock incorrectly in Numbers 20:7. This act was a failure to trust and obey—leading to the penance of --“you shall not pass!”— into the land of milk and honey. Forgiveness and restitution were completed, via exile from the Promised Land.
Obituary
Of natural causes, allegedly, the 120-year-old prophet Moses, passed on at Mount Nebo in Moab. After a lifetime of leading tribes out of slavery in the desert; he is survived by sons Gershom and Eliezer, and countless generations whose souls daily-benefit from the Ten Commandments.
In lieu of flowers, let his memory stir our hearts to better discern obedience and trust. Even the greatest leaders must yield to God’s will, as true promise lies not in a handful of earthly dirt, but in eternal communion with God.
Prayer for Moses’ intercession
You raised your arms and the enemy withdrew, you split the seas, the waters flew.
Ask the Father to always be near. Pray us through trials, our struggles and fears.
On Sinai’s mount, you heard God’s voice. He laid down the Law to twelve tribes of choice.
Help us to walk this narrow way, to love His Law and always obey.
Through desert sands you carried all strain, guiding sinners in exile, angst and in pain.
Intercede now when hard hearts grow weak. Ask our dear Dad for the mercy we seek.
Buried by God in soft, secret ground; your legacy in hearts, is forever found.
O prophet strong and servant mild, help every soul, God’s faithful child.
You stood in God’s glory, shown in bright light; as Christ was transfigured to your right.
Pray we see too, His radiant face & fall forever into His loving embrace.
Sources
The Early Church Fathers on Intercession of the Saints | Catholic365
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