Book of Numbers #3

How should a community respond to God's dwelling in their midst? By bearing gifts worthy of a king.

Chapters 7 and 8 of the Book of Numbers focus on the gifts the chieftains of tribes brought forward once Moses finished consecrating the Tabernacle. These gifts express (a) their gratitude for the graces the Lord brought them and (b) the recognition that the Lord is the King of Israel.

In response, God instructs Moses to light the Menorah; a sign that Israel is the light of the world for the Lord dwells in its midst. This is then followed by instruction on the duties of the Levites who are the assistants to the priests, and their consecration.

God has then established the camp and gave it a soul; the dwelling of the Shekinah in its midst, the source of all truth that Moses, the prophet par excellence can consult and receive infallible answers. In like manner, Jesus established the Catholic -- that is universal -- Church on Peter, and gave her the Holy Spirit, the Shekinah, to dwell within her and to guide her in all things and the Pope and the bishop united to him receive infallible guidance in matters of faith and morality.