Daily Readings - Fri Jul 14 2023
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
In today's readings, we encounter two profound narratives that invite us to reflect on trust and perseverance. The first reading from Genesis tells the story of Jacob, who, guided by a vision from God, moves his family to Egypt. Despite the uncertainties, Jacob trusts in God's promise to make his descendants a great nation. This act of faith is met with a joyful reunion with his son Joseph, illustrating God's faithfulness. The Gospel from Matthew shifts our focus to Jesus sending His disciples into a world filled with challenges, urging them to trust in the Holy Spirit's guidance. Jesus warns of persecution but assures them that perseverance will lead to salvation.
Both readings emphasize trust in God's plan amidst uncertainty. Jacob's journey to Egypt and the disciples' mission reflect a common theme: reliance on divine providence. Jacob's trust is rewarded with a new beginning, while the disciples are reminded that even in persecution, God's Spirit will guide them. This relationship between the readings highlights that our faith journey, though fraught with challenges, is supported by God's unwavering presence.
In our daily lives, we face our own trials and uncertainties. These readings encourage us to embrace trust and perseverance. Like Jacob, we must step into the unknown with faith, knowing God is with us. Like the disciples, we may encounter opposition, but we can find strength in the Holy Spirit. Let us draw courage from these stories, trusting that God's plan will unfold in our lives, guiding us through every challenge. May we persevere, knowing that God's presence and guidance are ever with us.