Thursday, July 15, 2021

15th Week, Ordinary Time, Friday, 16-07-2021

Exodus 11:10 - 12:14 / Matthew 12:1-8     

Between hunger and danger, it is quite obvious which is more life-threatening.

When danger is imminent, hunger is almost forgotten as the priority is not to fill the tummy but to flee to safety.

The 1st reading recalls the great event in the history of salvation, the Passover, which was the liberation from slavery in Egypt and the “passing over” of the forces of destruction, and the sparing of the firstborn of the Israelites, when the Lord “smote the land of Egypt” on the eve of the Exodus.

It was more of a celebration as the Israelites were instructed to have the Passover meal on the eve of their liberation.

The Passover meal was of great significance as as it was a sign that even in the midst of danger and suffering, God will come and save His people and even have a meal to celebrate the event.

That also is expressed in Psalm 23:4-5 which says : Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.

So as much as between danger and hunger, it may seem that danger is more life-threatening, yet the hunger is not so much for sustenance but the hunger for God who will protect us from danger.

May our hunger for God lead us to celebrate His providence for us and may we also believe that God will deliver us from danger.