Metropolitan Ieronymos of Larisa and Tyrnavos
As we prepare to celebrate the great feast of the Universal Elevation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross, which, according to the liturgical tradition of the Church is comparable to Holy and Great Friday- hence its status as a strict fast- the Gospel reading of the day reminds us of another strange elevation which happened centuries before, in the wilderness, during the exodus of the Israelite people from their enslavement in Egypt. What happened then?
Since the Jews were unable to pass through the kingdom of Edom, they were forced to make a detour through a region which was arid and inhospitable. In their usual way, they once again began to complain and moan about Moses and, indirectly, about God. They said that he’d taken them out of Egypt only so that they could leave their bones in the wilderness. Even though they had manna for food, and were, therefore, clearly under the protection of God, they showed great ingratitude and…
