SAINT LAWRENCE OF BRINDISI, (OPTIONAL MEMORIAL)

You shall eat like those who are in flight. 

When you think of an important meal, you might think of Christmas dinner. You clean and decorate and prepare special foods. Finally, everything is ready, the table is set, and everyone sits down for the feast. Because it’s a special day, they linger at the table and enjoy each other’s company well into the evening.

By contrast, the Passover meal in today’s first reading sounds more like an exercise in rushing out the door. Everyone is dressed for a journey, with their walking staff in hand. Even some of the food—like the unleavened bread—is something you can take on the go. In modern terms, it’s as if you’re standing at the counter eating a sandwich, with your coat on and the car engine running. You’re ready to leave at a moment’s notice: “like those who are in flight” (Exodus 12:11).

This description of a vigilant, on-the-go meal can serve as a helpful symbol of the Christian life. Like the Israelites, we are pilgrims journeying toward our true homeland. So we need to be ready to follow the Lord whenever and wherever he leads. And as it was for them, so for us there are some things we need to do and there are some things God does for us.

For our part, we need to keep a “journey” mindset by staying alert for the Lord’s direction. That means learning to hear God’s voice in prayer and Scripture. It means staying flexible and holding our own plans and possessions loosely. It also means not getting too comfortable here on earth because we know it’s not our final destination.

As for God’s part, he has been at work from the beginning. He has already saved us and made us his own. He continues to teach us and lead us by his Spirit. He gives himself to us as our unleavened bread and Passover lamb in the Eucharist. He also feeds us every day in his word, in prayer, and through our brothers and sisters in Christ. In short, he provides everything we need so that we are ready to hear him calling us when the time comes.

You are on a journey to an eternal banquet—and God himself is leading you!

“Here I am, Lord! I’m ready to go wherever you lead me.”

Exodus 11:10-12:14
Psalm 116:12-13, 15-18
Matthew 12:1-8