Read Exodus 2:1-15, Psalm 69 and Matthew 11:20-24
“If the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.” (Matthew 11:21)
Today’s readings contain a lot of lessons for us. One: The need for Proper Upbringing of our Children. Consider the role Moses’ sister played in our first reading today. She stood at a distance watching the baby Moses float on the water and the moment she noticed Pharaoh’s daughter had taken the child, she stepped in.
The little girl succeeding in convincing a woman probably twice her age about what to do with the child. Her plan with her mum succeeded. Moses would now be brought up by his own mother in the guise of a nurse. In this way, the baby Moses was saved from death following Pharoah’s decree to kill all the male children born to the Israelites.
Two: Nothing is hidden Under the Sun. When Moses grew up, he couldn’t stand oppression against his people so he killed an Egyptian. Moses thought it was secret until he tried to settle a quarrel between two Israelites the following day. The fact that people are not watching you does not mean God himself is not taking note of your actions.
Three: Miracles are of great value but to repent from sin is the ultimate miracle. If you have been a Christian for some time, you would have experienced or at least heard about someone who received a miracle. Miracles do bring along a lot of excitement and they help to reaffirm our faith in God, they show us that there is more to reality than what meets the eye.
Every miracle is a sign pointing to God but unfortunately, we get stuck in the sign itself and forget to read its meaning. We enjoy the miracle but we do not allow it to transform us from inside. No sooner had our excitement died down, we return again to our old ways. We forget that the same God who made the miracle happen is always with us and nothing is hidden from Him.
Jesus expressed utter disappointment with the towns where most of His miracles had happened because contrary to His expectations, the people remained stiff-necked in their sinful ways. Jesus performed countless miracles, He even raised the dead to life many times but one miracle Jesus would not work is to force you to repent. This requires your active cooperation.
As we often pray in the Stations of the Cross: “I have fallen down again, completely drained of strength, my body cannot move. No blows, no kicks can rouse it up. And yet my will is mine and so is yours. Know this, your body may be broken but no force on earth, and none in hell can take away your will. Your will is yours.” (9th Station; Christ Speaks).
Let us pray: Lord Jesus may my love for you be greater than my love for this world. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Tuesday of week 15 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Exodus 2:1-15, Psalm 69 and Matthew 11:20-24).