Meditation
“The Jewish people remain the living root of the Christian faith. We want to mark this attachment by praying for the members of the Jewish people every first Thursday of the month. We believe that this intention is a source of blessing in our journey towards unity among the churches. »
The longer path is shorter [Parsha Be-shalach].
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks.
When Pharaoh freed the people, God did not lead them along the path that led to the land of the Philistines, although it was the shortest. For God said, “So that the people, when they see the battles that lie before them, do not repent and return to Egypt.” God led the people by a roundabout way through the wilderness to the Red Sea, and the Israelites came out of the land of Egypt armed. (Exodus 13:17-18)
This passage is not easy to read, even if, at first glance, its message seems obvious and perfectly logical. God did not want to expose the Israelites to a potential battle with the seven nations of Canaan, because their mental state—as a newly liberated people—did not allow for it. (…)
The choice of a roundabout route did not prevent the people from reacting to the spies’ report. Horrified by the news of the extraordinary strength of the people inhabiting the land to which they were heading, and of its fortress cities, they decided, “Let us appoint a [new] ruler and return to Egypt!” (Num 14:4).
It seems, therefore, that the long journey on which God was taking the people of Israel was not intended to prevent the desire to return from arising in them, but to prevent it altogether. (…)
This means that, almost from the beginning of their history, Jews have been led to understand that a lasting victory takes time.
The Talmud tells the story of Rabbi Yehoshua ben Hananiah, who one day asked a young man sitting at a crossroads which road led to the city. The young man pointed to one of the roads and said, “This road is short but long: “This road is short but long. The other is long but short.” Yehoshua ben Hanani chose the first route and quickly arrived at the city, but the entrance to the city was blocked by gardens and orchards. So Yehoshua came back to the young man and asked him a question: “Didn’t you tell me that the path I had chosen was shorter?” I said so. But I also warned you that the way was longer. » (…)
It is therefore better to choose the longest path that leads to the destination, rather than the shortest one that can only give the impression of leading somewhere or other.
Today’s world is filled with books, movies, and shows promising quick success in almost every area of life, from losing a few pounds of weight to wealth and fame. The idea of a change of life symbolised by the path chosen by God for the Israelites teaches us that there are no shortcuts. The long way is short and the short way is long. It is better to prepare from the start for a long march, full of work, failures and dead ends, knowing that it will take courage, endurance, perseverance and stubbornness. Instead of a pillar of cloud, mentors will guide you and friends will support you. However, the journey is exciting and there is no other way. The more difficult it is, the stronger we will become.
Suggested reading
| Shema Yisrael: Deuteronomy 6:4-9 The call of Abram: Gen 12:1-4 I am the one who is: Ex 3:13-15 Blessing: Num 6:22-2 | Ancient Confession of Faith: Deut 26:5-9 The First Commandment: Mk 12:28-34 The Faith of Abraham: Heb 11:8- 12 The inheritance of the people of Israel: Rom 9:1- |
Intercessions
R. Amen, amen, blessed be the God of Israel
Or another refrain
1. Most Loving Father, God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob,
you who wept for the violence between Cain and Abel,
we pray for peace in the Middle East,
for all the people who inhabits this land
where you have chosen to join us in our humanity.
2. Most Loving Father, God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob,
you who made possible the reconciliation between Joseph and his brothers,
for any contempt for your people Israel, forgive us (silence).
We pray to you, Father, to make fraternity grow between the Jewish people and the nations.
3. Most Loving Father, God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob,
you who brought Israel out of Egypt and made your people free,
give your joy to the Jewish people,
and keep them faithful to your covenant.
4. Most Loving Father, God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob,
you who united the twelve tribes of Israel around the Torah,
give peace to the Jews who believe in Jesus.
5. Most Loving Father, God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob,
you who sent your Son Jesus to save us,
Make your blessing rest on Christians who are of Jewish origin.
6. Most Loving Father, God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob,
Father of Jesus Christ,
you who gave your beloved Son so that all might be one
gather all Christian churches together in unity.
7. Most Loving Father, God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob,
you who promised the Jewish people the coming of the Messiah,
you who promised the Church the return of your son
We praise you and we say in the Holy spirit “Maranatha, come Lord!”.