Food for the Journey

July 21, 2007

Saturday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time

They had rushed out of Egypt and had no opportunity even to prepare food for the journey. Exodus 12:39

A bruised reed he will not break, a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory. Matthew 12:20

Piety

Let us pray, Jesus, our faithful friend, help us to have a cheerful confidence as we commit our hearts, our lives and our very souls to follow you where ever this journey may lead. When you see how bruised we are, continue to heal us. When you see the flame of inspiration flicker, fire us up with the Holy Spirit. Let us lay aside contentious and angry debates that the Pharisees would have. Instead, help us to receive one another as You would receives us. Encouraged by your gracious kindness, we pray that your Spirit may rest upon us, and make us able to copy your holy example. Amen.

Study

http://www.usccb.org/nab/072107.shtml

How does justice play out in our two readings today?

The Hebrews, saved by the Passover, are now taking flight to celebrate the holiday of Succor. For a people on the move, Succor is a holy day in which Jews build small huts that memorialize the shelter needed during the flight from Egypt. This flight marks the victory of justice over slavery in Egypt. Justice can now be an experience that the Hebrews can share after 430 years of captivity. Justice comes to pass on earth.

As the Lord led the Hebrews out of Egypt, turning to Matthew’s Good News, Jesus is now in flight, to save his life until the proper hour arrives. Even in flight, he leads his followers. While fleeing from the Pharisees, Jesus continues to bring hope to those who believe and followed him through his actions – healing the sick but trying to stay invisible so as not to disturb the Pharisees too early.

He will not contend or cry out, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory. And in his name the Gentiles will hope." Matthew 12:19-21

Action

How can we work for Justice today?

Perhaps as we read in Exodus, we should consider a modern day “exodus.”

In little more than one month, the US will mark the second anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. It is now time to reflect upon the deplorable and shameful conditions that the people of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast region are still suffering under, the obstacles the city has faced in trying to marshal resources for the recovery and the actions we all can and must take. Furthermore, as you recall the flight of the Jews from Egypt, recall diaspora (scattering of the people from their homes) that occurred in the Gulf States but especially New Orleans. Their flight was from Louisiana homelands to Texas, Virginia, New York, California and beyond.

August 29 will be a Day of Presence in New Orleans focusing on the prayer and possibility.

The example of our ancestors is endurance until they could see the Kingdom of Heaven sprouting out of the soil is our enduring symbol of Hope no matter what the challenges. We need to plan now for ways that we can continue to carry the message of Mercy and Hope for those affected in 2005 so they have the endurance to rebuild the homes and lives.