freedom can be terrifying - 16th week Monday

We reflect on our first reading, from the book of Exodus.  The Israelites were finally freed from slavery but while they were moving out of Egypt Pharaoh suddenly changed his mind and decided to pursue them and bring them back.  The Israelites were so terrified when they saw the Egyptians gaining on them.  It was the first crisis of faith:  the freedom they desired meant also giving up the quiet life they had in Egypt.  Freedom can be terrifying, it can be disconcerting.  Many times it is better to remain enslaved than to go through the chaos which new life brings.  There are some of us who are more secure in their enslavement. 

And in this confusion Moses said to the people, “Fear not! Stand your ground, and you will see the victory the LORD.  The LORD himself will fight for you; you have only to keep still.”  This is what the virtue of hope means.  Stand your ground, keep still – the Lord will fight for you.  It is now God who acts.  Now that is hope.