Exodus 14:21 - 15:1 / Matthew 12:46-50
Most animals have some form of intelligence, but by and large, they act from instinct.
For example, cats and dogs would chase after anything that moves. It could be out of playfulness, but their instinct is to chase and hunt down the prey that is running from them.
We human have a much higher form of intelligence, and with that higher intelligence, we should discern how we should act and not just act from instinct.
But in the 1st reading, we hear about how human beings can just succumb to their instinct and chase after their enemies without thinking or discerning just because they have the might and power to do so.
Pharaoh's mighty Egyptian army of soldiers, horses and chariots and horsemen can just crush the unarmed Israelites in no time at all.
They were so blinded by their instinct that they chased after the Israelites into the sea without thinking that the waters were separated by a supernatural power.
It was only when they got stuck in the middle of the sea that they realised that the Lord was fighting for the Israelites against them.
But it was too late, that when Moses stretched his hand over the sea, the returning waters overwhelmed Pharaoh's army and not a single one of them was left.
God has given us intelligence so that we can discern and think how to act and not just act from instinct.
More importantly, we discern what God's will is for us so that as His children, we will be obedient to God and do all for God's glory.