Thanksgiving Song of Victory
July 24, 2023 - Monday, 16th Week in Ordinary Time
Exodus 15:1bc-2, 3-4, 5-6
Today, instead of listening to a psalm, we reflect on a fragment from the "Song of Moses." This thanksgiving hymn of victory accompanies our reading, recounting the pursuit of the Israelites by Pharaoh's army and their seemingly insurmountable predicament with the Red Sea blocking their escape. Fear and panic gripped the Israelites as they cried out to God and complained to Moses. But God, in His unfailing love, made a way where there seemed to be no way. Not only did He provide an escape route, but He also utterly destroyed the powerful army that boasted of annihilating His people (see Exodus 15:9-10): "Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore" (Exodus 14:30).
The wisdom of the Fathers of the Church has beautifully illustrated how this story resonates with our Christian journey. Egypt symbolizes a place of slavery, Pharaoh and his army represent the devil and his angels, and the Red Sea signifies the waters of baptism. Allow me to share a fictional story that mirrors this reality, as it has happened countless times. Meet Sarah, who grew up in an atheistic environment. She had a well-paying job that demanded her full attention, leaving her no room for weekends or holidays. Sarah felt trapped, unaware of any alternative way of life. However, her life took a turn when she encountered a Christian friend who invited her to join an Alpha course, which presented the foundational principles of the Christian faith. Unfortunately, Sarah believed she had no time to spare. Nevertheless, her friend gave her a small book titled "The Forge." Sarah was unfamiliar with the concept of a forge, and much of the book's content exceeded her understanding. But at the beginning of the book, she stumbled upon a verse that struck her to the core: "For what shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" (Mark 8:36).
Determined to seek a change, Sarah requested leave from her company, albeit reluctantly granted. Now she had time to invest in the Alpha course. She dedicated herself to reading the Bible, praying, and attending her weekly small group meetings. With each passing week, she experienced a growing sense of freedom. Excitement filled her as the Alpha Weekend approached—a time everyone emphasized as significant. Yet, just before that weekend, her boss coldly informed her to report to work immediately. He threatened her with a salary cut and even termination if she failed to comply. Sarah found herself trapped without any apparent choice.
The "Song of Moses" commences with a declaration: "The Lord is my strength and my courage; He has become my salvation" (Exodus 15:2). Sarah possessed neither the strength nor the courage to resist her bullying boss. After all, her entire life seemed intertwined with that company. She wept, and then she reached out to her friends to inform them of her inability to join the Alpha Weekend, explaining her predicament. However, on Thursday evening, the day before the Alpha Weekend was set to begin and as Sarah prepared to report to work, one of her newfound friends from the Alpha course called her unexpectedly. "Sarah, would you like to work for our company?" she asked. "We need someone with your expertise and experience."
"I will sing to the LORD, for He is gloriously triumphant; horse and chariot He has cast into the sea" (Exodus 15:1). Sarah completed the Alpha course and was baptized a few months later. She now works for a new company, enjoying a comparable salary, free weekends, and paid holidays. To her surprise—and perhaps yours—her former company no longer exists; it went bankrupt.
The Exodus from Egypt occurred once, yet it continues to unfold constantly. The Lord grants us the strength and courage to leave behind our enslavement and embark on a journey toward freedom. He rescues us from the powerful forces that strive to keep us captive. Let us never forget this song of thanksgiving and victory—the "Song of Moses." It places upon our lips words of gratitude that overflow from our hearts. Indeed, our Lord is glorious, and His power knows no equal.