Remembering the first Passover meal

 

The prophet Isaiah reminds us that God's thoughts are not our thoughts and that our ways are not his ways. (Isaiah 55:8). Today's readings show us the truth of those words. In the first reading from Exodus 11:10 - 12:14, the Lord gives clear directions to Moses and Aaron for the first Passover meal. Faithful Jews have celebrated the feast down through the centuries and it is still celebrated today as the most important Jewish feast. It commemorates the way that God worked through Moses to free the people from the slavery that they were suffering in Egypt. It is a continual reminder that God is the loving Father who created us to live in freedom and peace. In our Eucharist we celebrate Jesus as our paschal lamb, the Saviour who came came to teach and show us his Father's loving plan for us all. However the gospel from Matthew 12:1-8 shows us how often human ways fail to see God's big picture and fall into reliance on tiny details. As the apostles walked through corn fields they picked and eat some to satisfy their hunger.The Pharisees accused them of doing what was forbidden on the sabbath. Jesus defends them saying that what he wants is mercy and not pettiness. Lord, help us to give importance to your spirit of love, compassion and kindness and not be too preoccupied with our ways that can distract us from seeing the much more important mission that you are calling us to live.