Daily Readings - Thu Jul 11 2019
Genesis
18Then Judah went up to him and said: "Please, my lord, let your servant speak a word to my lord. Do not be angry with your servant, though you are equal to Pharaoh himself.19My lord asked his servants, 'Do you have a father or a brother?'20And we answered, 'We have an aged father, and there is a young son born to him in his old age. His brother is dead, and he is the only one of his mother's sons left, and his father loves him.'21"Then you said to your servants, 'Bring him down to me so I can see him for myself.'23But you told your servants, 'Unless your youngest brother comes down with you, you will not see my face again.'24When we went back to your servant my father, we told him what my lord had said.25"Then our father said, 'Go back and buy a little more food.'26But we said, 'We cannot go down. Only if our youngest brother is with us will we go. We cannot see the man's face unless our youngest brother is with us.'27"Your servant my father said to us, 'You know that my wife bore me two sons.28One of them went away from me, and I said, "He has surely been torn to pieces." And I have not seen him since.29If you take this one from me too and harm comes to him, you will bring my gray head down to the grave in misery.'
1Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all his attendants, and he cried out, "Have everyone leave my presence!" So there was no one with Joseph when he made himself known to his brothers.2And he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard him, and Pharaoh's household heard about it.3Joseph said to his brothers, "I am Joseph! Is my father still living?" But his brothers were not able to answer him, because they were terrified at his presence.4Then Joseph said to his brothers, "Come close to me." When they had done so, he said, "I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt!5And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.
Matthew
7As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.'8Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.9Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts;10take no bag for the journey, or extra tunic, or sandals or a staff; for the worker is worth his keep.11"Whatever town or village you enter, search for some worthy person there and stay at his house until you leave.12As you enter the home, give it your greeting.13If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you.14If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town.15I tell you the truth, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter profound lessons of faith, trust, and divine providence. The first reading from Genesis recounts the emotional reunion of Joseph with his brothers, who, unaware of his true identity, seek to buy grain in Egypt. Joseph, now a powerful figure, reveals himself, emphasizing that despite their past betrayal, God’s plan has brought salvation. This story underscores the theme of forgiveness and trust in God’s providence, even in the face of adversity.
The Gospel from Matthew shifts our focus to the mission of the disciples, as Jesus instructs them to preach and heal without concern for material possessions. He calls them to trust in God’s provision, entering towns with humility and reliance on divine grace. This teaching challenges us to live simply, trusting that our needs will be met as we fulfill our mission to spread the Good News.
Both readings invite us to reflect on our trust in God’s plan. Like Joseph, we may face unexpected twists in life, but faith assures us that God works through all circumstances. Like the disciples, we are called to live with detachment, trusting in God’s provision as we serve others. Let us embrace this trust, living with forgiveness and simplicity, knowing that God’s plan is always at work.