20. The Farewell of Moses (Deuteronomy 34)

After forty years of guiding the people of Israel through the desert, Moses reached the end of his journey. God took him to the top of Mount Nebo and, from there, showed him the entire Promised Land stretching out before him. Although Moses did not enter it physically, he died with the peace of having been faithful to the mission the Lord had entrusted to him. Before departing, he blessed the tribes of Israel and laid his hands on Joshua, his successor, ensuring that the people would continue their journey with hope.

The death of Moses marks the end of an era. The Bible says that no other prophet has arisen like him, whom the Lord knew face to face. His life is an example of total surrender: he went from being a prince in Egypt to being a shepherd in the desert, and finally, the liberator of a nation. His greatness was not in his own strength, but in his ability to listen to God and to intercede for the people even in moments of great rebellion.

For us, the end of Moses' life teaches us that we are collaborators in God's work. Often we must "sow" what others will "reap." Moses prepared the ground for Israel to enter the land of freedom, prefiguring Jesus Christ, the new and definitive Moses, who leads us not to an earthly land, but to the Kingdom of Heaven. His humility in accepting that his mission had ended invites us to trust that God always carries out His plans through the people He chooses at each moment.

Key Points according to the Bible

Faithfulness until the end: Moses completes his mission despite difficulties and his own mistakes.
The vision of the promise: God fulfills His word, showing that the goal is real.
Succession: God's work does not stop with one person; Joshua receives the charge to continue.
Humility of the leader: Accepting one's limits and trusting in the transition is a sign of holiness.

Biblical Text

Consult the full biblical text of the death of Moses here: USCCB - Deuteronomy Chapter 34

Reflection Activities: Deuteronomy 34

1. Text Comprehension: From where did Moses see the Promised Land, and who was chosen to succeed him as the leader of the people?

2. Doctrinal Content: What lesson does Moses give us about the importance of working for God even if we do not see the final results with our own eyes?

3. Catechetical Application: How can you apply Moses' example to your life when facing changes or the end of a stage (such as changing grades or schools)?