Reflection on The Exodus
by Fr. Dennis McAuliffe
Pastor, Catholic Church of the Holy Comforter
February, 2011
The images that keep me on the journey for justice come through the book of Exodus.
One: it tells us what we have to do. Two: what we can expect. And three: assures us that we will get there.
What do we have to do?
First of all, we must step out trusting in the LORD. This means we must at all times put ourselves under divine protection and guidance. And if we do, there will be a divine cloud leading us by day, and a pillar of fire by night.
Two. To say the least, the journey of the Israelites had numerous difficulties. Their struggles even came down to the basics—food and water. We are struggling with folks who at times need the basics, which comes in the form of access to social service agencies, healthcare needs, and education, to name but a few.
Like the Israelites, on their journey, we can not always be sure what lies before us. So our issue [campaigns] have taken twists and turns and for a time, even elude us. But look at the number of times we’ve gotten to Mount Sinai.
Three: We will get there. This happens when a new congregation signs the covenat that binds us together in God. And yes, we will make it to the land of milk and honey. Where people will exchange bondage for liberty, poverty for plenty, and bias for justice.
We might get struck at times by complacency towards working for justice.
We might feel too weary to work for justice on a given day.
We might even come to doubt our efforts on a given day.
Like the travelers of Exodus, we can be predisposed to complacency, weariness, and doubt.
But we are NOT predestined to be dragged down by them. Do not let negative feelings take the lead in your life. Instead, take yourself to the one who gives you the strength and courage to keep on keeping on.
As we continue the march of justice, let us join Moses who sang out:
I WILL SING TO THE LORD FOR HE IS GLORIOUSLY TRIUMPHANT
HORSE AND CHARIOT HE HAS CAST INTO THE SEA
MY STRENGTH AND MY COURAGE IS THE LORD AND HE HAS BEEN MY SAVIOR
HE IS MY GOD, I PRAISE HIM;
THE GOD OF MY FATHER I EXTOL HIM