16th Week in Ord. Time, Monday – 24th July 2023 – Exodus 14,5-18; Mt 12,38-42
Faith that Commands
Today’s first reading is the familiar account of the Israelites leaving Egypt, being pursued by the Egyptians and coming to the Sea. As the Israelites sense the danger of the approaching Egyptian army with the Pharaoh’s chariots, they complain against Moses and God. They fear for their lives. Moses was a man of faith who knew that Pharaoh’s army was no threat to Yahweh. He chides the people for their lack of trust in God. He gave several commands to the people, and the first was “Fear not” (14,13). In fear, the Israelites were tempted to flee, so Moses gave his second command: “Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.” (14,13). By faith the Israelites had marched out of Egypt, and now by faith they would stand still and watch God destroy the Egyptian charioteers. Moses not only told them to stand still, but he gave them the wonderful promise, “The Lord shall fight for you” (14,14). The next order came from God to Moses, “Go forward” (14,15). The fact that Israel was facing the sea was no problem to God. Moses followed as God instructed him. In firm faith, he extended his rod over the Sea which parts and allows the Israelites to cross over without any problems.
