We celebrate birthdays, wedding-days and other anniversary dates that are important for us in some way. We do the same as citizens or as members of various groups we belong to. The Christian year and calendar are full of such dates, religious events reminding us of Christ's coming and His life and passover for us, reminding us of Mary His mother and of numerous holy people whose faith we share. Today's first scripture reading reminds us of what is for Jewish people their biggest memory and festival, their departure from slavery in Egypt. To this day, that momentous event in their history remains alive and relevant.

For Christians, that event also remains important because it's a kind of parable of what Christ came to do for us all - to take us out of sin and fear, to save us through His own 'passing-over' to His Father, in the suffering and death He bore and the glory He received for us to share. Every Mass celebrates this, but especially on Sunday, the day of the Lord's rising, and at Easter. For we are "Easter people" and we have a song of joy to sing, in good times and bad. In prayer today let me reflect on how well or how much or how feelingly I actually celebrate each day or each week. And if I don't feel there's much 'celebration' involved in my Christian life and worship, may I ask the Lord to give me a deeper appreciation of what He's done for me, in His creation, in His redeeming work, in His loving presence and constant protection of me.