Daily Readings - Mon Jul 17 2017
First Reading - Exodus 1.8-14, 22
Exodus
8Meanwhile, there arose a new king over Egypt, who was ignorant of Joseph9And he said to his people: "Behold, the people of the sons of Israel are many, and they are stronger than we are10Come, let us wisely oppress them, lest they multiply; and if any war should advance against us, they may be added to our enemies, and having fought against us, they might depart from the land.11And so he set over them masters of the works, in order to afflict them with burdens. And they built for Pharaoh the cities of the tabernacles: Pithom and Raamses12And the more they oppressed them, so much more did they multiply and increase13And the Egyptians hated the sons of Israel, and they afflicted them and mocked them14And they led their life directly into bitterness, with hard work in clay and brick, and with all kinds of servitude, so that they were being overwhelmed with the works of the land22Therefore, Pharaoh instructed all his people, saying: "Whatever will be born of the male sex, cast it into the river; whatever will be born of the female sex, retain it.
Sermon
The first reading from Exodus describes a time of great turmoil for the Israelites in Egypt. A new pharaoh, unaware of Joseph’s contributions to Egypt, views the growing Israelite population as a threat. To suppress them, he imposes harsh labor and decrees the murder of all Hebrew male infants by casting them into the Nile. This narrative sets the stage for the eventual deliverance of the Israelites, highlighting the tension between human oppression and God’s providence. It reminds us that even in darkness, God’s plan is at work, preparing the way for liberation.
This passage invites us to reflect on the human condition and the persistence of evil. The Egyptians’ fear of the Israelites leads to unjust policies, revealing how fear can distort judgment and lead to cruelty. Yet, amidst this suffering, the Israelites’ resilience and faith endure. Their story mirrors our own struggles with injustice and hardship, encouraging us to trust in God’s fidelity even when His ways seem hidden.
In our daily lives, we face our own forms of oppression—whether societal, personal, or spiritual. Like the Israelites, we are called to perseverance and hope. The reading reminds us that God’s plan often unfolds in ways we cannot see, and our trials can be the foundation for future grace. Let us pray for the courage to stand against injustice and for the faith to trust in God’s providence, even in the darkest of times.