| In a world dominated by Egypt, Israel creates its story - from Walter Brueggemann. In the memory of Israel, the ancestral narratives of Genesis are framed in the beginning by an acknowledgement in Gen. 12:12-20 that Egypt has a monopoly of food in the ancient world, and at the end by an account of the actions of Joseph, progenitor of Israel, who aids and abets Pharaoh's monopoly of food in a way that reduces the agricultural populations to debt-slavery (Gen. 47:13-26). Thus Egypt is presented as a source of life for Israel, but also as an aggressive agent, which enslaves those who seek its resources for life. Much of Israelite imagination consists in coming to terms with the catch-22 of food and bondage, or conversely, no-bondage/no-food. When a story is told over and over again, it shaped us. What is most important is that it shapes our imagination. That is, it shapes what we are willing and able to see that is beyond what is simply right in front of us. If we see ourselves and define ourselves as a people caught between a rock and a hard place, our living story may become nothing more than a journey to defend ourselves or try to make room for ourselves because there is an Egypt and its powers that will always be attempting to make us submit and ruin us. As is so often the case in the world around us, those who have had to experience the reality of being oppressed or pushed down or abused often become those who oppress, push down, or abuse others. This happens too much and it a part of too many of our stories. And, yet, the experience of Egypt need not turn one into a reflection of that power over others. Rather, there is the liberation - the rescue - the promise of new life that is not to be a reflection of oppressive powers. That is the light that shines. When it does not shine - with this new light - it has lost its connection to the God who liberates and rescues for life. Connection: There needs to always be an edge of our lives that is facing reformation. That edge must wrestle with identity and must be willing to imagine something other than what is and what was. Lord of the Exodus and the Promise of a Blessed Community, you have remained with us to make us into the people of your Reign. You continue to expand our vision even as we draw it in because we are so often ruled by fear and comfort. Continue to lead us and guide us into your blessed Reign. Amen. |
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