Bat Kol International, Weekly Torah Nuggets
Parashat Beshalach. Exodus 13:17-17:16
Being open for daily miracles
This Parasha talks about big and small miracles and all kinds of reactions of the people of God. There is this once in a lifetime miracle of the splitting of the sea. But then there is also the ongoing daily miracle, the providence with manna and quail for 40 years. And the text also speaks about all sorts of reactions: Songs of praise and gratitude to God by Moshe and Mirjam for deliverance but also the quarrelling of the crowd, who start doubting God’s ways as soon as they experience thirst and hunger. And in all of this, God’s patience and faithfulness with his people to find a way out of their experiences of lack.
Wouldn’t we all like to experience this mighty deliverance, when before us the sea of troubles, sorrows and fear of the future suddenly splits and we can walk calmly into our next chapter of life? This might indeed happen and then let us not hesitate to break into songs of praise to God. But far more often will we experience these daily, small miracles. Miracles which can only be seen by people with an open heart, and open eyes, tuned into their creator: daily food on the table, heating, running water, a functioning body, friends – Do we notice the “little blessings of everyday life”? Do we see the many things for which we can be grateful, not taking anything for granted? Or are we quick with grumbling, because our focus is on the things we lack in our lives?
For the people of Israel it took faith to step into the sea, then the waters split. It also took faith to gather manna every morning and trust, not to gather more than was necessary for one day. By their faith and trust in God’s timing and providence they made it through the desert.
What a comfort that it took the people of God a lifelong learning to trust their God and his ways – one day at a time. So we too can start over every day, to be open and grateful for the little (and big!) miracles God has in store for us.
Prepared by Barbara Kauffmann
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“Since the spiritual patrimony common to Christians and Jews is thus so great, this sacred synod wants to foster and recommend that mutual understanding and respect which is the fruit, above all, of biblical and theological studies.”
Declaration on the Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religions: Nostra Aetate, No. 4