In today's first reading we see a God who loves His people and through Moses gives them guidelines for living that will keep them close to Him and to one another. Yet the people again turn away from God and go back to their own God made by human hands. They have grown tired waiting for Moses, and Aaron comes to their aid forming a golden calf for them to worship. Moses is grieved and angry when he sees this but Aaron makes an excuse blaming the people. We see here human weakness at work. They have once again forgotten the great things God had done for them in leading them out from slavery in Egypt and providing what they need on their journey. Yet God never forgets His people. Moses recognizes their sin but he again offers to be their mediator, to ask God for mercy and to make atonement for their sins.

Christ is our great mediator. We too often stray away from God, yet in spite of our weakness the Kingdom of God continues to grow. Like a mustard seed growing and extending its arms in welcome, we, like the birds, find refuge from the storms in our lives, and a place where we meet again a loving and welcoming God even after wandering away and going after other gods.