I will endow Him with my Spirit

Ex. 12:37-42, Mt. 12:14-21. Today’s first reading invites us to respect everyone, especially strangers who are in need of our help. Even if the chosen people were in some ways stringently separated from non-Israelites, refugees and immigrants continued to have significant rights among them. When they were leaving Egypt, the reading tells us that “a mixed crowd also went up with them,” suggesting people of different racial background. The Israelites must not value their racial purity as absolute as today's first reading tells us. It was as “the smallest of all nations” that God chose, to show his love and fidelity (Deut. 7:7). If we wish to embrace the privilege of being God’s elect, we must be kind, compassionate and hospitable to strangers.

If we ignore our neighbour’s troubles, we hardly deserve to be called a Christian. Like Jesus we have some power to cure and heal, quietly, without ostentation. We cannot disregard the outsider without being called to account by God. As we open our hearts to people of mixed ancestry, according to the example of Jesus in today's Gospel, we will be apostles of hope, not just for others but for ourselves. In many ways, others can teach us how to be God’s chosen people.

May the Lord make our lives here on earth proclaim the glory of God, so that we may praise Him without ceasing in Heaven! Amen!! Good morning and have a pleasant weekend!!!