Monday of week 16 in Ordinary Time
Saint Laurence of Brindisi, Priest, Doctor
First reading: Exodus 14:5-18
In today’s reading, Moses finds himself caught between two overwhelming forces: the pursuing Egyptian army, full of strength and fury, and the panicked Israelites, who doubt the very liberation they had long awaited. It is a moment of impossible tension, one that mirrors the crossroads we often face when fear rises, and faith is tested. Yet, in the face of this crisis, Moses does not give in to despair or react with frustration; instead, he proclaims a powerful truth: “Have no fear! Stand firm, and you will see what the Lord will do to save you today.” This is the voice of a man rooted not in certainty of outcomes, but in certainty of God’s faithfulness. Moses reminds us that salvation is not earned through human strength but received through trust. When circumstances press us on every side, our calling is not to panic or retreat, but to remain firm, believing that the Lord who led us here will not abandon us now. Let’s reflect: When I feel overwhelmed by fear or pressure, do I choose to stand firm in faith, trusting that God will act even when I see no way forward?
Don Giorgio