Israel Left Egypt, in order to go to the Promised Land

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 15 Week - Saturday*

*GOSPEL - Mt 12:14-21*

*First Reading - Ex 12:37-42*

*Israel Left Egypt, in order to go to the Promised Land*

*1) Israel Lived 430 years in Egypt*

The book of Exodus makes it very clear that the Children of Israel lived 430 years in Egypt

It is rather quite a long period of time to remain in Egypt, under the pagan leader 

430 years means, to get attached to so many things, and  so many customs and traditions

So this 430 years have a special significance in the life of Israel

*2) They Left everything over night*

A place where they lived and suffered for 430 years, was immediately to leave by God through Moses

Over night people were ready to leave everything and move to the new Place 

They had no time to take things and to carry them. 

Even the food which they took for their journey was not cooked, which shows how fast they left the place 

Leaving of Egypt was very essential for their bright future 

*3) They also encountered problems after leaving Egypt*

As the proceeded their journey they had lots of challenges and problems

Problem of food, problem water, problem of protection, problem of fear, anxiety etc where some of the mains problems of Israel

At times they were tempted to go back to Egypt and to remain there itself

Leaving of Egypt was not a pleasent thing in the beginning

*4) Since they left Egypt they came to the Promised Land*

The first requirement to reach the promised land, need to leave the Egypt

If they had taken decision not to move form Egypt or if they had gone back after coming out of Egypt because of the Challenges, they would not have reached the promised land

The leaving of Egypt, results in great things in the life of Israel

*5) Egypt in my life*

All of us have Egypt experience within ourselves

We are caught up in this Egypt and suffer a lot 

At times we don't want to leave this Egypt, for the fear of losing everything

As a result, no changes or only a little change will be seen in our life. 

*6) What are the things which represent Egypt in my life?* 

These are the following things which make our life a bondage 

Anger, jealousy, revenge, pride, arrogance, selfishness, personal gain, name and fame etc  

All these represent the Egypt in my life. Unless I get out of these things or leave these things I  can't move towards promised land 

Christian life consists in continuously leaving the Egypt in my life and moving towards Promised Land

Am I ready to leave the Egypt and move towards promised land??

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*