Daily Readings - Sat Jul 10 2021
Genesis
29And he instructed them, saying: "I am being gathered to my people. Bury me with my fathers in the double cave, which is in the field of Ephron the Hittite30opposite Mamre, in the land of Canaan, which Abraham bought, along with its field, from Ephron the Hittite, as a possession for burial31There they buried him, with his wife Sarah." And there Isaac was buried with his wife Rebekah. There also Leah lies preserved33And having finished these commands by which he instructed his sons, he drew his feet onto the bed, and he passed away. And he was gathered to his people
15Now that he was dead, his brothers were afraid, and they said to one another: "Perhaps now he may remember the injury that he suffered and requite us for all the evil that we did to him.16So they sent a message to him, saying: "Your father instructed us before he died17that we should say these words to you from him: ‘I beg you to forget the wickedness of your brothers, and the sin and malice that they practiced against you.’ Likewise, we petition you to release the servants of the God of your father from this iniquity." Hearing this, Joseph wept18And his brothers went to him. And reverencing prostrate on the ground, they said, "We are your servants.19And he answered them: "Do not be afraid. Are we able to resist the will of God20You devised evil against me. But God turned it into good, so that he might exalt me, just as you presently discern, and so that he might bring about the salvation of many peoples21Do not be afraid. I will pasture you and your little ones." And he consoled them, and he spoke mildly and leniently22And he lived in Egypt with all his father’s house; and he survived for one hundred and ten years.23And he saw the sons of Ephraim to the third generation. Likewise, the sons of Machir, the son of Manasseh, were born onto Joseph’s knees.24After these things happened, he said to his brothers: "God will visit you after my death, and he will make you ascend from this land into the land which he swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.25And when he had made them swear and had said, "God will visit you; carry my bones with you from this place,26he died, having completed one hundred and ten years of his life. And having been embalmed with aromatics, he was laid to rest in a coffin in Egypt
Matthew
24The disciple is not above the teacher, nor is the servant above his master25It is sufficient for the disciple that he be like his teacher, and the servant, like his master. If they have called the Father of the family, ‘Beelzebub,’ how much more those of his household26Therefore, do not fear them. For nothing is covered that shall not be revealed, nor hidden that shall not be known27What I tell you in darkness, speak in the light. And what you hear whispered in the ear, preach above the rooftops28And do not be afraid of those who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. But instead fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in Hell29Are not two sparrows sold for one small coin? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father30For even the hairs of your head have all been numbered31Therefore, do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows32Therefore, everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father, who is in heaven33But whoever will have denied me before men, I also will deny before my Father, who is in heaven
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound lessons on trust, forgiveness, and faithfulness. The Genesis passage recounts Jacob's final moments, emphasizing his trust in God's promise of the land and Joseph's forgiveness of his brothers. Joseph's words, "You devised evil against me, but God turned it into good," illustrate his faith in God's providence. This trust is echoed in Matthew's Gospel, where Jesus prepares His disciples for persecution, urging them not to fear those who can harm the body but to trust in God, who values each individual deeply.
Both readings highlight the theme of trusting God amidst adversity. Joseph's forgiveness and trust in God's plan, despite his brothers' betrayal, serve as a model for us when facing wrongdoing. Similarly, Jesus assures His disciples that even in persecution, they are valued and should remain faithful. This teaches us to view our challenges through the lens of God's larger plan, trusting that He can turn any situation into good.
In our daily lives, we are called to embody this trust and forgiveness. When wronged, we can choose to forgive, trusting that God is at work. Like the disciples, we should not fear human judgment but remain steadfast in our faith, acknowledging God in all we do. Our actions have eternal significance, so let us live with courage and integrity, trusting in God's care and providence.