Every man, woman and child, every people, race and religion, all humans will face times of adversity. All of us will have to overcome the forces that hold us down, that keep us from finding our own Promised Lands. These are our own, personal "times of bondage in Egypt" if you will. Tonight, on the first night of Pesach or Passover, I want to express what I see as the universality of the struggle to be free.
The Passover Holiday is one that belongs to us all. It is often thought of as a "Jewish Holiday" commemorating the Exodus From Egypt as led by Moses, Miriam and Aaron. But the values of the story belong to everyone. The holiday is celebrated with a special meal or Seder, the same meal celebrated by Jesus and his followers at The Last Supper. Mark 14:12 says "On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when it was customary to sacrifice the Passover lamb, Jesus's disciples asked him, "Where do you want us to go and make preparations for you to eat the Passover?" The story of Moses and of the Exodus from Egypt is referenced in the Quran as well. But there are lessons in the story that apply to all of us, in our everyday lives as well.
You can research the traditions and history of the Passover holiday elsewhere. Let me tell you what I personally glean from the story. The Jews entered Egypt in the time of Joseph, for thanks to Joseph there was food in that land and famine elsewhere. The were greeted as allies and lived well in the land for a long time. But then they were enslaved.
The first personal lesson I have found is that slavery in Egypt lasted until they cried out against it. As long as any of us are complacent, willing to forfeit hope, our lots will not get better. It doesn't matter if your personal "Egypt" is poverty or drugs or ignorance, whether it is external at the hands of a master with a whip or self-created by your own deeds, your lot will never get better until cry out for it to get better.
The second lesson is that it took a leader, a Moses, lead them out. Moses was human, not divine. He was a man willing to risk everything, princely riches, power and priveldge, to get to a better place. On a personal level, it takes integrity, faith and a willingness to sacrifice to reach that better place.
The third lesson is that we all must be willing to take risks. Those who are willing to stay in Egypt, whatever "Egypt" may be for them, those who want to turn back in fear, never cross the sea.
The fourth lesson is one of humilty. Moses would never have been great, had not Miriam risked her life to save his. It is Zipporah, wife of Moses and daughter of Jethro, that leads Moses safely out of Egypt and to wisdom in the desert. Again, it is Miriam that shows Moses his true identity. When all seems darkest, ask for help.
So, tonight let us think about those who still struggle to be free. Think about the poor and the oppressed with sympathy, whatever their race , creed or color may be. Be kind to the stranger, because you were once strangers. Even if you can't open your door, open your heart. And shalom, peace, to all.