St. Mary Magdalene is the first person to meet the Risen Lord. Her life – a testament to God’s grace – inspires us to confront our own weaknesses and draw strength from the healing love of Christ.
Hungry and grumbling, the people complain to Moses that they will die in the wilderness without food. The response? God feeds them with quail and manna.
As Moses stretches out his hand, God swept back the sea so that the people could pass through on dry ground; just as quickly, the waters covered Pharaoh’s army and saved the children of Israel.
Today’s first reading shows how Pharaoh pursued the Hebrews after they left Egypt. Despite the fear of the people, God promises to defend them in their moment of need.
The time honored words of Psalm 23 have inspired and sustained countless souls throughout salvation history. The images of shepherds and sheep continue to offer insight today as we consider how our faith in Jesus Christ challenges us at times to lead and follow.
As the people of Israel begin their journey out of Egypt they will experience the awkward sense of being unsettled as they make the transition from slavery to freedom. Transitions are part of our experience, and this passage from Exodus invites us to trust in the Lord as we face the uncertainty of life.
Today’s reading from Exodus reveals how the Lord directed the Passover Meal to Moses and Aaron. This passage thus establishes the Passover as a central part of Jewish prayer which will ultimately set the context for the Eucharist. It was during a Passover Meal with his disciples that Jesus offers the New Covenant through his Body and Blood…which frees us from the bondage of sin and leads us to eternal life.
As God speaks to Moses about his task in Egypt, the Lord refers to a land that shall be given to the people of Israel after they have been liberated from slavery…a land flowing of milk and honey.
Moses stands on holy ground in the sight of the burning bush and has an encounter with God, who commands him to return to Egypt. The awkward response of Moses prompts us to reflect on how we have experienced the Lord in our lives and consider what challenging situations we need to address today.