Each reading’s own mystery is found in those spaces between the letters. The mystery in this portion is in the absence of Moses’ name. His name is found in every reading from the beginning of Exodus through his death, except in this reading, why?
Some say maybe because the anniversary of Moses’ death coincides with the time of this reading. Leaving his name out helps prevent us from focusing on and worshiping him. For others, the absence of his name is seen as the result of the incident with the Golden Calf, when Moses said if God couldn’t forgive them, then Moses wanted his name erased from the record God wrote. Some feel that, unable to forgive them, God “erased” Moses’ name from the reading. Though he isn’t directly named, Moses’ presence remains – nonetheless – in each event throughout this portion.
So, maybe there’s a higher “maybe.” Something not so easily seen within the text, but found in that “space between the letters.” If Moses remained “center stage,” there would be no open space for someone else to step up into and grow. I could easily gloss over Moses’ humility and miss this lesson completely if I had only read the letters. But I read and I listened; listened to wiser people than myself.
Humility has not always been easy to clothe myself in. Maybe this time around I’m meant to see this lesson through humble eyes? It reminds me that promoting myself can’t help others achieve the success they’re meant to know. So what can I reflect on about my own humility (or lack thereof)?
I’ve known the meaning of helping others succeed, and each success comes to rests in the PAST. I need to help create success for others in my life now, in each moment. As God is ever evolving, so are we. So success becomes a way of being and evolving in the PRESENT. What success am I creating for others NOW? I see the need to live my existence to be of service to others, practicing humility in the PRESENT. How can I live with humility toward everyone without exceptions? It all seems to come back to letting go of ego, and constantly monitoring that ego when I’m stopped from empowering others. Only as I stand in humility can others grow and shine and be elevated to take their place in life. I’ve known tears of joy when seeing the results from helping others. As they grow, I grow while our spirits touch each other, lifting us to a higher level together. God, guard my mind and tongue from evil and ill words. Keep me silent in the face of all that is unholy - humble whenever possible.