7 August 2022 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time
That night was made known beforehand to our ancestors,
so that they might rejoice in sure knowledge of the oaths in which they trusted.
The deliverance of the righteous and the destruction of their enemies
were expected by your people.
For by the same means by which you punished our enemies
you called us to yourself and glorified us.
From Wisdom 18:6-9, NRSV
Today’s reading is an excerpt from a midrash of the Passover story, when the Israelites were delivered by God from their bondage in Egypt. It draws a strong contrast between the severe way God dealt with the Egyptians and the kindness shown towards the Israelites. This book was written at a time when there was much hostility between Jews and Egyptians. The author wants the Jewish people to reflect on God’s saving action in the past in order to encourage them to stay true to the traditions by which they were saved. Their fidelity to their traditions will also be the means by which they will be assured of salvation in the future.
- Why was it important for the Jewish people to remember their Passover?
- What are the moments in our Christian history that we would do well to remember ?
Recall and give thanks for the people and events that have helped to strengthen your own faith.
