Exodus 14:5-18 / Matthew 12:38-42
One of the most fervent prayers is when we are faced with a mortal danger.
It is an impending danger, and we can see it coming like some kind of demolition ball.
We will certain pray desperately for divine help as we brace ourselves to face that danger.
It may be difficult to imagine that kind of mortal danger.
But we can certainly imagine the mortal danger that the Israelites were facing in the 1st reading.
Sandwiched between the sea and blood-thirsty mighty Egyptian army, there seem to be no escape.
They panicked and began saying all sorts of disparaging things against Moses.
But Moses answered the people with this:
‘Have no fear! Stand firm, and you will see what the Lord will do to save you today: the Egyptians you see today, you will never see again. The Lord will do the fighting for you: you have only to keep still.’
As for us, in times of distress and desperation, we will resort to every possible means to get out of trouble.
It is difficult to keep still and to trust in the Lord who will save us.
But let us remember what Moses said to the people, and to let the Lord our God go ahead of us to fight our battles for us.
Yes, the Lord our God will save us. We just need to be still and pray and see the power and the glory of God.