Monday July 13, 2009

Monday July 13, 2009 of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time

Readings: Exodus 1: 8-14, 22 Psalm 124 Matthew 10: 34- 11: 1
Psalm Response: “ Our help is in the name of the Lord”

When we read the opening words of Exodus, what are our first impressions? The Israelites were expanding to perceived danger to the Pharaoh; their loyalty was questioned; they might rebel in the case of an uprising. The leaders must have been convinced of the threat or they were so imbued with fear, they did whatever the Pharaoh decided. There was no prior experience of revolt by the people of Israel. Why would he even suspect a problem?
Even his solution was dopey! Leaving the girls alive and drowning all the boys solved nothing. None of the boys could conceive; all of the girls had potential.
If there was any validity to his premise, Pharaoh would have been disappointed at the prospect of a reduced population of the Israelites.

Do we ever contribute to the mass killing of the unborn?
You decide!
If we all stopped going to the movies; discontinued our support of the TV stations; supporting the United Way; we would do better than the Pharaoh even dreamed.

The psalmist reminds us of the providence of God. He doesn’t sit around waiting for us to get ourselves into trouble, but should we, He’s right there invisibly urging us to use His gifts to remove us from danger. Who is our help? The response tells us.

Jesus laid some awesome responsibility on His disciples as He sent them to preach in His name. They were to be leery of even their families who would turn on them in a second when their life was on the line. Not even parents and sibling would remain in their corner. Instead, He told them to expect nothing except from Him. They were to imitate Him; follow in His footsteps; carry His cross; give to those in need.
In other words, “Be other Christs!”
“It’s too hard”, we say. Nothing worthwhile is easy!