The first reading relates the story of how Moses sent representatives of the people into the land which the Lord had promised them in order to investigate it and bring back some of its fruits. When the 'spies' returned, most of them only spoke of the strength and size of the local inhabitants and discouraged the people from entering it. Only Joshua and Caleb spoke encouragingly, describing it as a "land flowing with milk and honey." But, the people complained again against the Lord and planned to return to Egypt. Moses intervenes with the Lord and asks forgiveness for them, and as a result the Lord does not punish them, but announces that none of them would be allowed to enter the Promised Land. They would wander in the desert for forty years and only their children would be allowed to enter, along with Joshua and Caleb who spoke encouragingly to the people.

Today's reading invites us to remember those times in our lives when we suffered from "cold feet," when we lacked the courage to "do the right thing" because of the challenges and the difficulties that we would have to face. Very often, as a result of our timidity, we have also been left to wander in a desert of discouragement, shame, and unfulfilled hopes. Today we are encouraged once again to 'trust in the Lord'. If we can find the courage to do the right thing, we too are promised a 'land flowing with milk and honey.'