LOVE ENDURES FOREVER…

Exodus 12:37-42

37 And the people of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand men on foot, besides women and children. 38 A mixed multitude also went up with them, and very many cattle, both flocks and herds.
39 And they baked unleavened cakes of the dough which they had brought out of Egypt, for it was not leavened, because they were thrust out of Egypt and could not tarry, neither had they prepared for themselves any provisions. 40 The time that the people of Israel dwelt in Egypt was four hundred and thirty years.
41 And at the end of four hundred and thirty years, on that very day, all the hosts of the LORD went out from the land of Egypt.42 It was a night of watching by the LORD, to bring them out of the land of Egypt; so this same night is a night of watching kept to the LORD by all the people of Israel throughout their generations.

Matthew 12:14-21

14 But the Pharisees went out and took counsel against him, how to destroy him.
15 Jesus, aware of this, withdrew from there. And many followed him, and he healed them all,16 and ordered them not to make him known.17 This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah:
18 “Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he shall proclaim justice to the Gentiles.19 He will not wrangle or cry aloud, nor will any one hear his voice in the streets; 20 he will not break a bruised reed or quench a smoldering wick, till he brings justice to victory; 21 and in his name will the Gentiles hope.”  

MEDITATION

THE FIRST READING: Pharaoh has reached a compromise with the Israelites and ordered them to leave Egypt at short notice. Because of the urgency to escape, the Israelites did not have time to produce leavened bread to feed the peoples, however they had unleavened bread. 

At nightfall the Israelites turn to God in prayer. Night and darkness symbolize uncertainty, fear and danger nevermind superstitious folklore that is linked to it. On the other hand, night time is the acceptable time to pray, reflect and meditate when all is quite and our hearts come to rest.

St MATTHEWS records a critical moment in the life of Christ when the Pharisees assembled the council to “destroy” Him! Despite this turn of events Jesus continue his work of mercy and deliverance to all who reach out to Him. Moreover he refuse to engage in acts of retribution by remaining true to His call to save mankind rather than condemn his enemies. 

Should you find yourself in a situation of darkness, do not be overwhelmed but look at the shining stars that beam down it’s light despite the dark clouds. When we are most afflicted, then it is indeed the acceptable time to remain prayerful and continue to listen to the voice of the Lord who calls us to be an obedient people. The unleavened bread of life in the Eucharist is the required food for the journey during times of loneliness and pain. Christs love endures forever, allow Him to show us the way and overcome and escape the ‘Pharaoh’ that hold us in bondage.

LET US PRAY: Psalms 136:1,10-15, 23-24

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1 O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures for ever.10 to him who smote the first-born of Egypt, for his steadfast love endures for ever; 11 and brought Israel out from among them, for his steadfast love endures for ever; 12 with a strong hand and an outstretched arm, for his steadfast love endures for ever;
13 to him who divided the Red Sea in sunder, for his steadfast love endures for ever; 14 and made Israel pass through the midst of it, for his steadfast love endures for ever; 15 but overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red Sea, for his steadfast love endures for ever;
23 It is he who remembered us in our low estate, for his steadfast love endures for ever; 24 and rescued us from our foes, for his steadfast love endures for ever;

Author. Henry R SYLVESTER Note: The daily scripture readings are taken from the Roman Missal which the Catholic Church use in the daily Celebration of the Holy Eucharist throughout the world.Some weekly readings may differ because of the celebration of local feast days.