They spread discouraging reports

“So they spread discouraging reports among the children of Israel about the land they had scouted, saying, ‘The land that we explored is a country that consumes its inhabitants. And all the people we saw there are huge, veritable giants (the Anakim were a race of giants); we felt like mere grasshoppers, and so we must have seemed to them.’” (NM 13: 31-32)

The Lord said to Moses: “Send men to reconnoiter the land of Canaan, which I am giving the Israelites.” Canaan, the Promised Land (“which I am giving the Israelites”), was a place where the Lord took them from slavery in Egypt. Because of “discouraging reports” and opposition to God, His plan was delayed for 40 years. When people don’t trust God, correct His plans or reject them, they put themselves in trouble. We can see this by looking at what happens with the dignity of marriage and family when people reject God’s vision for marriage. God’s vision for the Isrealites was fulfilled, but it cost them one year for each day of disobedience.  

“A great prophet has arisen in our midst and God has visited his people.” (Gospel Acclamation)