In today's gospel we have another exemplification of Pharisaic judgmentalism and legalism which Jesus abhors, and concludes with the words: It is mercy that I desire.

Keep that in mind, as we continue our reflection on the book of Exodus. Today's section describes the Passover meal celebrated annually in commemoration of the Passover of the Angel of Death, which at first liberated Pharaoh’s heart to let the Israelites free, but later pursued them, but God's protection remained with them.

The ultimate Passover, however, was not that of the angel, but of Jesus Himself passing through death and destroying it. In the Eastern Church at Pascha they sing by your death you have trampled death. In our own Easter Vigil the priest sings the Extultet: O death where is your victory; O death where is your sting?

This is the very core of our faith, that death, our most insidious enemy, has no power to destroy us, because in Christ, we are given Eternal life. But our souls darkened by sin struggles to yield in faith, that is why we allow our appetites to go undisciplined.

Is it gluttony - Afraid that we will not have enough food to survive and we will die?

Is it greed, - the need to accumulate money or toys or clothing or whatever because if we don't have enough we will be vulnerable?

Is it lust, where healthy sexual relationships don't satisfy, and one turns to movies, videos, the internet, where there is enough to satisfy?

Beware of the little voice that says "if you don't use it, you'll loose it," or that would be a fate worse than death.

Anger is a justifiable emotion, but rage is out of control when one feels that without the satisfaction of power their life is intimidated. So get out of my way on my highway, of my shopping lane, or you might be the one found dead.

All of these are exaggerations of legitimate passions and emotions intimidated by fear of death which cause us to loose total contact with the I-Amness of God, ourselves and each other. And unable to give mercy without that Divine contact, we judge each other for eating fruit off a bush or whatever.