Daily Readings - Fri Jul 14 2023
Genesis
1So Israel took his journey with all that he had and came to Beersheba, and offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac.2And God spoke to Israel in visions of the night and said, "Jacob, Jacob." And he said, "Here am I."3Then he said, "I am God, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make you into a great nation.4I myself will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also bring you up again, and Joseph's hand shall close your eyes."5Then Jacob set out from Beersheba. The sons of Israel carried Jacob their father, their little ones, and their wives, in the wagons that Pharaoh had sent to carry him.6They also took their livestock and their goods, which they had gained in the land of Canaan, and came into Egypt, Jacob and all his offspring with him,7his sons, and his sons' sons with him, his daughters, and his sons' daughters. All his offspring he brought with him into Egypt.28He had sent Judah ahead of him to Joseph to show the way before him in Goshen, and they came into the land of Goshen.29Then Joseph prepared his chariot and went up to meet Israel his father in Goshen. He presented himself to him and fell on his neck and wept on his neck a good while.30Israel said to Joseph, "Now let me die, since I have seen your face and know that you are still alive."
Matthew
16"Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.17Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues,18and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles.19When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour.20For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.21Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death,22and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.23When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.
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.