The Israelites were relived - a mighty army had tried to wipe them out but God had miraculously saved them by parting the sea. We can understand their joy at being alive But the fact that they were singing and dancing about the dead Egyptians is a bit disturbing. According to a later Jewish story, God himself wept at the death of his Egyptian children. The story is a reminder to recognize that God cares for everyone, even those we might regard as enemies. No one has a special or exclusive claim on God.

Family is important to most people, and in cultures such as ancient Israel's, it was sacred. One's first allegiance was always to the family. When the family of Jesus came to talk to him he was busy with his teaching mission. He used this as an opportunity to teach something very important: from now on, anyone who did the will of God was ‘family'. The bond of the heart and soul was now stronger than that of blood. Later on, it became clear that even Gentiles - those who were not Jews - were part of this family. In our own time, let us look at all who practice justice and kindness and strive to do what is good as our brothers and sisters - regardless of what group they belong to. God is far bigger than all of us - let us not try to control or confine God in our minds.