How blessed are we to have a caring God who stretches out his hands to protect and heal us?
As I reflect on the readings of today, the theme of the outreached hand is a recurring theme. In the first reading we see how the Lord works through the “outreached hand” of Moses to part the sea so the Children of Israel can escape the pursuing Egyptian chariots (Ex 14:21-22). And as the chariots continue their pursuit, once again the Lord works through Moses’ outreached hands to rout the Egyptian horsemen (Ex 14:26-28).
Then again in the gospel we see our Lord “stretching out his hand toward His disciples” and designating them as His close family upon whom His care rests because they do the will of His Heavenly Father (Matt 12:49-50).
Leading a Family to God
As I put myself in Moses’ place, I saw my role as a father and husband clearly revealed as being God’s instrument of leading those in my care toward Heaven – our ultimate promised land. The sea represents all of the chaos in the world (political strife, social media, disordered behavior) which through our faith is pushed aside. We leave sin and the forces of death in our pursuit behind. We cling onto our Lord through the Church, Scripture and the Sacraments, hence our path is washed clear.
Being an example and fostering my family’s active faith life, I can contribute to overcoming he forces of evil around us. Regular celebration of the Mass, periodic reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, family rosary reflecting on the life of Christ and being active in the Works of Mercy, are some of the spiritual resources through which sin and the forces of darkness are overcome.
Turning then to the gospel, I was taken back to my Baptism and my Confirmation. I was old enough to recall how the priest and the bishop stretched out their hands to claim me for Christ. I became a child of God and a brother of Christ. Thus, I was set on this path to do the will of the heavenly Father, through the grace of the new birth in Christ.
Let us never forget to be like Saint Peter and cry out “Lord, save me” because Jesus immediately reached out His hand and caught him (Matt 14:30-31). It only takes a glance upon the crucifix, and we know full well how the Lord reaches His hands out to us daily.
Peace and Blessings.
