Exodus 1:8-14, 22 / Matthew 10:34 - 11:1
Whenever and wherever there are oppression and persecutions, as well as violence and wars, it would be necessary to look at how it all started.
Of course there are many reasons for such injustice and even bloodshed, besides the finger-pointing and blaming of every involved party.
But at the root of it all, are two factors that are always present - insecurity and intolerance.
That can be seen in the 1st reading, the Pharaoh was disturbed about the Israelites becoming so numerous and strong.
He was actually disturbed by his own insecurity and that developed into an intolerance against the Israelites.
So the solution was to oppress them with hard labour and then slavery. Then finally came the persecution - to kill all the baby boys born of the Hebrew women by throwing them into the river.
So it happened during the Pharaoh's time; it had happened in the past, and it is still happening.
It had happened and is still happening to nations, to countries, to societies, to communities, to families, to individuals.
And lurking behind the insecurity and intolerance is fear - fear of the other or others.
The way to overcome the fear is to heed the teaching of Jesus to take up our cross and follow in His footsteps.
Because the truth is in what Jesus said: Anyone who finds his life will lose it; anyone who loses his life for My sake will find it.
When we understand this teaching and follow it, then our fear will turn into freedom.