Daily Readings - Sat Jul 15 2017
Genesis
29Then he commanded them and said to them, "I am to be gathered to my people; bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite,30in the cave that is in the field at Machpelah, to the east of Mamre, in the land of Canaan, which Abraham bought with the field from Ephron the Hittite to possess as a burying place.31There they buried Abraham and Sarah his wife. There they buried Isaac and Rebekah his wife, and there I buried Leah--33When Jacob finished commanding his sons, he drew up his feet into the bed and breathed his last and was gathered to his people.
15When Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, "It may be that Joseph will hate us and pay us back for all the evil that we did to him."16So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, "Your father gave this command before he died,17'Say to Joseph, Please forgive the transgression of your brothers and their sin, because they did evil to you.' And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father." Joseph wept when they spoke to him.18His brothers also came and fell down before him and said, "Behold, we are your servants."19But Joseph said to them, "Do not fear, for am I in the place of God?20As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.21So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones." Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.22So Joseph remained in Egypt, he and his father's house. Joseph lived 110 years.23And Joseph saw Ephraim's children of the third generation. The children also of Machir the son of Manasseh were counted as Joseph's own.24And Joseph said to his brothers, "I am about to die, but God will visit you and bring you up out of this land to the land that he swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob."25Then Joseph made the sons of Israel swear, saying, "God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from here."26So Joseph died, being 110 years old. They embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt.
Matthew
24"A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master.25It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household.26"So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.27What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.28And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.29Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.30But even the hairs of your head are all numbered.31Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.32So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven,33but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.
Sermon
Dear friends, today’s readings invite us to reflect on the profound theme of trust in God’s providence. In Genesis, we witness the final moments of Jacob and the forgiveness of Joseph. Jacob, nearing death, ensures his burial in Canaan, the land promised by God. After Jacob’s passing, Joseph’s brothers fear retribution, but Joseph, embodying forgiveness, reassures them that God transformed their evil actions into good, leading to the salvation of many. This story highlights Joseph’s unwavering trust in God’s plan, even amidst adversity.
In the Gospel, Jesus teaches His disciples to trust in God’s care despite the challenges they will face. He reminds them that they are not above their teacher and should not fear those who can harm the body. Jesus emphasizes that God values each of us more than many sparrows, reassuring us of His presence in our lives. He encourages openness in faith, promising acknowledgment before the Father for those who acknowledge Him.
These readings unite in their call to trust in God’s providence. Joseph’s forgiveness and Jesus’ teachings remind us to face life’s challenges with faith, knowing God weaves all events for good. In our daily lives, let us embrace this trust, forgiving others and standing firm in our faith, confident in God’s loving care. May we, like Joseph, see God’s hand in our struggles and, like the disciples, courageously live out our faith, trusting in God’s plan.