O Adonai

"O Adonai, and Leader of the house of Israel, you appeared to Moses in the flame of the burning bush and gave him the law on Sinai: come, and with an outstretched arm, redeem us." Simple but evoking the powerful theme of THE COVENANT between God and Israel (us!). Adonai is a substitute for the unutterable Hebrew name of I AM given to Moses at the fllaming bush. Moses was commissioned to free the Israelites from the bondage of Egypt and with an "outstretched arm", parted the Red Sea and led them to the desert and eventually to the foot of Mount Sinai where he gave them the Ten Commandments and made an agreement (Covenant) with them that he would be their God and they, his people. This was the beginning of a relationship that would conclude with the ultimate Covenant, the union of God and us humans in the Person of Jesus, through whom has come our redemption. See how God, our Leader, always takes the initiative, makes the overture, calls, offers, through the events of history and the events of our lives. God, ever faithful to this convenant, works through the human condition.

On a personal note, this has become evident to me in the death yesterday of my oldest brother, (mon grand frere, a major and distinct role as I learned in Rwanda and now appreciate so much more) R. Paul Roy, '48. As our BIG BROTHER, he set the example for us three younger brothers and was held up as a model for us to follow. His role as "leader" was natural to him in and outside the family, in the Navy, and with his own family. When my own father died, Paul assumed the "patriarchal status" as the family leader. Now losing him, the feeling of again being orphaned tugs at my innards. On one hand, his redemption is complete, we trust; the Covenant between him and God, fulfilled: a cause for joyful celebration. But on the other hand, the pain of loss, of separation, is real and evokes sorrow. Death is so much more about us it seems. The deceased is relieved of all pain and suffering and enters into eternal rest. WE, the living, the waiting, are left with pain and emptiness. It helps to remember that Adonai is present in both hands, and with "outstretched arm" continues to lead us to our redemption.
Bro. Rene