Daily Readings - Thu Jul 11 2019
Genesis
18Then Judah, approaching closer, said confidently: "I beg you, my lord, let your servant speak a word in your ears, and do not be angry with your servant. For you are next to Pharaoh19My lord, you questioned your servants before: ‘Do you have a father or a brother?20And we answered you, my lord: ‘There is our father, an old man, and a young boy, who was born in his old age. His brother of the same womb has died, and he alone is left to his mother and father, who truly love him tenderly.21And you said to your servants, ‘Bring him to me, and I will set my eyes on him.23And you said to your servants: ‘Unless your youngest brother arrives with you, you will not see my face any more.24Therefore, when we had gone up to your servant our father, we explained to him all that my lord had spoken25And our father said: ‘Return and buy us a little wheat.26And we said to him: ‘We cannot go. If our youngest brother descends with us, we will set out together. Otherwise, in his absence, we do not dare to see the face of the man.27To which he responded: ‘You know that my wife conceived twice by me28One went out, and you said, "A beast devoured him." And since then, he has not appeared29If you take this one also, and anything happens to him on the way, you will lead my grey hairs down with grief to the grave.
1Joseph was unable to restrain himself any longer, standing before so many. Therefore, he instructed that all should go outside, and that no stranger should be among them as they recognized one another2And he lifted up his voice with weeping, which the Egyptians heard, along with the entire house of Pharaoh3And he said to his brothers: "I am Joseph. Is my father still alive?" His brothers were unable to respond, being terrified by a very great fear4And he said to them mildly, "Approach toward me." And when they had approached close by, he said: "I am Joseph, your brother, whom you sold into Egypt5Do not be afraid, and let it not seem to you to be a hardship that you sold me into these regions. For God sent me before you into Egypt for your salvation
Matthew
7And going forth, preach, saying: ‘For the kingdom of heaven has drawn near.8Cure the infirm, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You have received freely, so give freely9Do not choose to possess gold, nor silver, nor money in your belts10nor provisions for the journey, nor two tunics, nor shoes, nor a staff. For the laborer deserves his portion11Now, into whatever city or town you will enter, inquire as to who is worthy within it. And stay there until you depart12Then, when you enter into the house, greet it, saying, ‘Peace to this house.13And if, indeed, that house is worthy, your peace will rest upon it. But if it is not worthy, your peace will return to you14And whoever has neither received you, nor listened to your words, departing from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet15Amen I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for that city
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter profound lessons of faith, trust, and divine providence. The first reading from Genesis recounts the emotional reunion of Joseph with his brothers, who, unaware of his true identity, seek to buy grain in Egypt. Joseph, now a powerful figure, reveals himself, emphasizing that despite their past betrayal, God’s plan has brought salvation. This story underscores the theme of forgiveness and trust in God’s providence, even in the face of adversity.
The Gospel from Matthew shifts our focus to the mission of the disciples, as Jesus instructs them to preach and heal without concern for material possessions. He calls them to trust in God’s provision, entering towns with humility and reliance on divine grace. This teaching challenges us to live simply, trusting that our needs will be met as we fulfill our mission to spread the Good News.
Both readings invite us to reflect on our trust in God’s plan. Like Joseph, we may face unexpected twists in life, but faith assures us that God works through all circumstances. Like the disciples, we are called to live with detachment, trusting in God’s provision as we serve others. Let us embrace this trust, living with forgiveness and simplicity, knowing that God’s plan is always at work.