Daily Readings - Fri Jul 09 2021
Genesis
1And Israel, setting out with all that he had, arrived at the Well of the Oath. And sacrificing victims there to the God of his father Isaac2he heard him, by a vision in the night, calling him, and saying to him: "Jacob, Jacob." And he answered him, "Behold, here I am.3God said to him: "I am the most strong God of your father. Do not be afraid. Descend into Egypt, for there I will make of you a great nation4I will descend with you to that place, and I will lead you back from there, returning. Also, Joseph will place his hands over your eyes5Then Jacob rose up from the Well of the Oath. And his sons took him, with their little ones and wives, in the wagons that Pharaoh had sent to carry the old man6along with all that he possessed in the land of Canaan. And he arrived in Egypt with all his offspring7his sons and his grandsons, his daughters and all his progeny together28Then he sent Judah ahead of himself, to Joseph, in order to report to him, and so that he would meet him in Goshen29And when he had arrived there, Joseph harnessed his chariot, and he went up to meet his father at the same place. And seeing him, he fell upon his neck, and, amid embraces, he wept30And the father said to Joseph, "Now I will die happy, because I have seen your face, and I am leaving you behind alive.
Matthew
16Behold, I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore, be as prudent as serpents and as simple as doves17But beware of men. For they will hand you over to councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues18And you shall be led before both rulers and kings for my sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles19But when they hand you over, do not choose to think about how or what to speak. For what to speak shall be given to you in that hour20For it is not you who will be speaking, but the Spirit of your Father, who will speak in you21And brother will hand over brother to death, and father will hand over son. And children will rise up against parents and bring about their deaths22And you will be hated by all for the sake of my name. But whoever will have persevered, even to the end, the same shall be saved23Now when they persecute you in one city, flee into another. Amen I say to you, you will not have exhausted all the cities of Israel, before the Son of man returns
Sermon
The first reading from Genesis tells the story of Jacob, who, guided by God, travels to Egypt with his family. Despite the uncertainties of the journey and the challenges of leaving the land of Canaan, Jacob trusts in God’s promise to make of him a great nation. The passage highlights Jacob’s deep faith and the emotional reunion with his son Joseph, who had been separated from him for many years. This story reminds us of the importance of trusting in God’s providence, even when the path ahead seems unclear.
The Gospel reading from Matthew presents a very different scene. Jesus sends his disciples out into the world, warning them that they will face persecution and hardship. He encourages them to be wise and innocent, trusting that the Holy Spirit will guide them in their moments of trial. This passage emphasizes the cost of discipleship and the need for courage and perseverance in the face of adversity. Just as Jacob trusted God in his journey, the disciples are called to trust in God’s presence and strength as they carry out their mission.
Both readings remind us that faith is not about avoiding challenges but about trusting God in the midst of them. In our own lives, we may face uncertainties, difficulties, or even persecution. Like Jacob, we are called to trust in God’s plan, even when the future seems uncertain. Like the disciples, we are called to be bold in living out our faith, knowing that God will give us the grace we need to persevere. Let us ask for the strength to remain faithful, even in the face of trials, and to trust that God is always with us, guiding us on our journey.