Tuesday July 21, 2009

Tuesday July 21, 2009 of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Exodus 14: 21- 15: 1 Psalm 15: 8-12, 17 Matthew 12: 46-50
Psalm Response: “Let us sing to the Lord; He had covered Himself in majesty”

I don’t think I’d have to have a manifestation such as the Hebrews saw when the waters stopped and the Reed Sea became a dry path for them to escape. However, it’s easy to see how the centuries could elapse and the Jews would remember God’s hand in the salvation of their ancestors.
We tend to equate Passover with the splitting of the Sea. Whereas, it is the celebration of the Lord’s ‘passing over their abodes when He sent the angel of death to slay the first born of the Egyptians.
In our experience, we haven’t had such a magnanimous event to reflect on. However, an even more glorious occurrence takes place, every Sunday and weekday at the celebration of the Eucharist. Christ, our God, re-presents His immolation in an unbloody manner making Himself present Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity for our adoration and consumption making us all who receive one with Him.

The psalmist continues the theme of the salvation of the Israelites by their God with an outstretched hand and a powerful display of His Divinity.

Some folks claim Jesus denied His mother when He asked, “Who is My Mother?’
Denial was punishable by stoning. However, those who heard Him recognized the synonym anyone who does the will of His Father is brother, sister and mother to Him.
We can claim Brotherhood through our submission to the Will of God.
Not easy but possible for even sinners like us!