Remembering the Exodus

Reflecting on the Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost: Two Days after Sunday (Year A)

Scripture (semicontinuous)

Psalter: Psalm 77

Old Testament: Nehemiah 9:9-15

Epistle: Romans 14:13—15:2

Scripture (complementary)

Psalter: Psalm 133

Old Testament: Genesis 49:29—50:14

Epistle: Romans 14:13—15:2

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Prayer

Grant to us, Lord, we pray, the spirit to think and do always those things that are right, that we, who cannot exist without you, may by you be enabled to live according to your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer)

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Reflection

“And you saw the distress of our ancestors in Egypt and heard their cry at the Red Sea. You performed signs and wonders against Pharaoh and all his servants and all the people of his land, for you knew that they acted insolently against our ancestors. You made a name for yourself that remains to this day. And you divided the sea before them, so that they passed through the sea on dry land, but you threw their pursuers into the depths like a stone into mighty waters. Moreover, you led them by day with a pillar of cloud and by night with a pillar of fire, to give them light on the way in which they should go. You came down also upon Mount Sinai and spoke with them from heaven and gave them right ordinances and true laws, good statutes and commandments, and you made known your holy Sabbath to them and gave them commandments and statutes and a law through Moses your servant. For their hunger you gave them bread from heaven, and for their thirst you brought water for them out of the rock, and you told them to go in to possess the land that you swore to give them (Nehemiah 9:9-15).

Remembering the Exodus from Egypt is not merely an act of recalling a historical event; it provides for serious reflection on the enduring themes of liberation, resilience, faith, and the power of collective memory. The story of the Exodus has captured the hearts and minds of countless generations, transcending time and culture to become a universal symbol of hope and transformation.

The Exodus narrative centers around the liberation of the Israelites from slavery under the oppressive rule of the ancient Egyptian pharaohs. This tale of liberation is a reminder that God is the savior of Israel. The journey through the wilderness is a metaphor for the challenges and uncertainties that we all face in our lives, where the path to freedom is often fraught with difficulties and sacrifices.

At the heart of the Exodus story lies the theme of faith. The Israelites’ journey was not just a physical one, but a test of their faith in the God who liberates. The miracle of the Red Sea parting and the provision of manna in the desert speak to the idea that sometimes, when all seems lost, there is divine intervention that guides us towards our destiny. This theme encourages us to hold onto faith, even when circumstances seem dire, and to trust that there is a greater plan at work.

Collective memory is necessary. The retelling of this narrative year after year, during the Passover holiday signifiies the importance of remembering our history. It’s a call to honor the struggles of our ancestors, acknowledge the progress we’ve made, and reflect on how those lessons can guide us in the present and future. By remembering the past, we connect with a lineage of resilience and perseverance that strengthens our own sense of identity and purpose.

Moreover, the Exodus story has transcended its specific historical context to become a symbol of social justice and human rights. It serves as a rallying cry against oppression and a reminder that the fight for freedom and dignity is a universal struggle. As we reflect on the Exodus, we are prompted to examine the ways in which we can contribute to the liberation of others and promote justice in our world today.

In a world that often seems divided and uncertain, the reflection on the Exodus from Egypt offers solace and inspiration. It reminds us that the journey towards freedom is ongoing and that the values of courage, faith, and collective memory can guide us through challenges and inspire us to work towards a better future. Just as the Israelites found their way to the Promised Land, we too can find our way to a more just, compassionate, and liberated world with the help of God.

PRAYER: Hear our prayers, God of power, and through the ministry of your Son free us from the grip of the tomb, that we may desire you as the fullness of life and proclaim your saving deeds to all the world. Amen. (Revised Common Lectionary)

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