First Reading: Ex 20:1-17; Psalm: 19 R. v. Jn 6:68c; Gospel: Mt 13:18-23

REMEMBER THE WONDERS OF THE LORD

BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP.

“I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.” (Ex 20:2).

The greatest miracle in the history of the people of Israel was their liberation from the land of Egypt where they were subjected to hard labour, suffering and slavery. Israel’s slavery in Egypt threatened their existence as they feared extinction when the new Pharaoh made a decree that every male child born to the Hebrews must be killed. So, when God sent Moses to free them from this land of slavery, it was a big relief to them. It was an assurance that their suffering and fear of extinction were over. More so, they witnessed God’s wondrous works en route to the Promised Land; the greatest of which was the crossing of the Red Sea.

It is not surprising in the first reading of today that prior to the giving of the Ten Commandments; God had to begin by reminding the people of Israel of how he liberated them from the land of slavery. God said, “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.” Then God went on to give them the Ten Commandments. The people of Israel were stubborn and argumentative. God had to remind them of his wondrous works to break the ice and to convince them on why they must listen to him and follow his commands. God’s established authority leaves them with no choice but to listen to him.

Some of us may have once wondered; “Why should I listen to God or obey the commands of the scriptures?”  It is because we owe our existence to God. God established his authority over us when he gave us life. So each time we wonder why we must listen to God, we should always remember that the God who gave us life and sustains it knows how best we should live and order our ways so as to be in a good relationship with him and preserve that life. We should never forget the wonders of God in our lives. If we remembered the numerous challenges we overcame in life, we will have every reason to be indebted to God for his love over us.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Lord God, we are grateful for your numerous blessings. Help us to be appreciative and to honour you in all we do. Amen.