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.
Todays’ first reading explores the early life of Moses, from his birth to his flight in Midian. The passage also reveals the pattern of conflict that often persists in human life.
For the next three weeks we will encounter the key elements that surface from the Book of Exodus, which offers an encounter of freedom from the bondage of slavery that is crucial for both Jewish and Christian prayer.
The readings today reveal how God chooses and empowers us so that we might offer our lives for service in the world. Everyday the Lord invites…how will we respond?
Having empowered the Apostles with his authority, Jesus expresses the cost of their discipleship. What’s at stake is the Cross…the looming reality that following Christ means that we offer our lives completely for the Lord.
Having been chosen by Christ, the Twelve are now commissioned to do specific ministry in the name of Jesus. May we take to heart their example and actively seek our opportunities to serve the Lord today.