Monday of 15th week, July 16, 2007

Scripture: Exodus 1:8-14,22. Psalm 124:1-8. Matthew 10:34-11:1. Lectionary
# 389:

Exodus awakens in us thoughts of freedom and a promise of a homecoming. It
is the greatest event in the history of salvation for the Israelites and is
a message of hope for the future for all peoples. The story continues on
as we enjoy in some countries the gift of freedom; others are still
awaiting their Exodus. The word itself means "A Way Out" and is the
Western way of designating this book; whereas, in Israel, the books of the
Torah are known by the first word that begins the scroll, hence, Shemoth or
Names is the nomenclature given to this most important book of the Torah.
This book begins by summarizing what has ended in Genesis; we get the names
of the sons of Jacob which is the same names applied to the twelve tribes
who now will move from a family concept into the reality of a nation.
Joseph's death is mentioned and Pharaoh no longer remembers him so we are
chronologically distant from the time of his death in this account. Israel
is freed from slavery and oppression and is now on its way out of Egypt to
move toward experiencing the promises of God for their land (Ha Aretz).
The themes given in Exodus are reverberating in Israel and us to this very
day as God fulfills the promises that have been made. Paul tells us that
the deeds and decrees of God are irrevocable. The lectionary and our
liturgical reading gives us the first verse then jumps to verse eight
thereby leaving aside the summary and transition verses I have referred to
above. Our Psalm is referring to the Exodus through the deliverance of the
Israelites by the waters of the Red or Reed Sea and the Jordan River.We can
use the psalm when we are troubled by sleepless nights and agonizing
decision in which we wish to be solved or left aside. The following verse
is a good focus point: "Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made
heaven and earth." This centering upon God is so strong that it inspires
confidence in us and banishes our problems like the wind blowing the clouds
away. In the Gospel, Jesus, too, is speaking of oppressive situations
within our own families or our countries telling us to remain faithful to
his message and to take up our cross and follow him. The message of
unselfish love comes through loud and clear and if we are committed to
Jesus we know we will be liberated. Perseverance in this commitment is
only possible through the graces God gives us in Baptism, prayer, and the
sacraments which makes us children of God who are loved and cared for as we
grow into the commitment to his message in today's passage. Amen.