Daily Readings - Wed Jul 10 2019
Genesis
55When all Egypt began to feel the famine, the people cried to Pharaoh for food. Then Pharaoh told all the Egyptians, "Go to Joseph and do what he tells you."56When the famine had spread over the whole country, Joseph opened the storehouses and sold grain to the Egyptians, for the famine was severe throughout Egypt.57And all the countries came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph, because the famine was severe in all the world.
5So Israel's sons were among those who went to buy grain, for the famine was in the land of Canaan also.6Now Joseph was the governor of the land, the one who sold grain to all its people. So when Joseph's brothers arrived, they bowed down to him with their faces to the ground.7As soon as Joseph saw his brothers, he recognized them, but he pretended to be a stranger and spoke harshly to them. "Where do you come from?" he asked. "From the land of Canaan," they replied, "to buy food."17And he put them all in custody for three days.18On the third day, Joseph said to them, "Do this and you will live, for I fear God:19If you are honest men, let one of your brothers stay here in prison, while the rest of you go and take grain back for your starving households.20But you must bring your youngest brother to me, so that your words may be verified and that you may not die." This they proceeded to do.21They said to one another, "Surely we are being punished because of our brother. We saw how distressed he was when he pleaded with us for his life, but we would not listen; that's why this distress has come upon us."22Reuben replied, "Didn't I tell you not to sin against the boy? But you wouldn't listen! Now we must give an accounting for his blood."23They did not realize that Joseph could understand them, since he was using an interpreter.24He turned away from them and began to weep, but then turned back and spoke to them again. He had Simeon taken from them and bound before their eyes.
Matthew
1He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.2These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John;3Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus;4Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.5These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: "Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans.6Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel.7As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.'
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on trust, mission, and the providence of God. The first reading from Genesis recounts the story of Joseph, a man who, despite being wronged by his brothers, rises to a position of power in Egypt. When his brothers come to him seeking relief from the famine, Joseph tests their integrity and ultimately reveals his identity, teaching them about the consequences of their actions and the mercy of God. This story highlights Joseph's wisdom and his ability to trust in God's plan, even in the face of personal betrayal.
The Gospel reading from Matthew shifts our focus to Jesus, who sends out his twelve disciples to proclaim the nearness of the kingdom of heaven. Jesus entrusts them with authority to heal and to cast out unclean spirits, but he also gives them clear instructions: they are to go only to the "lost sheep of the house of Israel." This mission is not about seeking comfort or recognition but about faithfully carrying out the task entrusted to them. Like Joseph, the disciples are called to trust in God's providence and to remain focused on their mission, even when the road ahead is uncertain.
Both readings remind us that our lives are not our own, but are part of a larger story shaped by God's plan. Joseph's story teaches us that even in the midst of suffering and betrayal, God is at work, guiding events toward a greater good. The Gospel reminds us that we, like the disciples, are called to trust in God's providence and to be faithful stewards of the mission entrusted to us. In our daily lives, we are invited to embrace this same trust and faithfulness, whether in our relationships, our work, or our struggles. Let us ask ourselves: Do we trust in God's plan, even when the path is unclear? Are we willing to step out in faith, as Joseph and the disciples did, to fulfill the mission God has given us? May we, like them, find the courage to trust and to serve, knowing that God is always with us.