Daily Readings - Fri Jul 09 2021
Genesis
1So Israel set out with all that was his, and when he reached Beersheba, he offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac.2And God spoke to Israel in a vision at night and said, "Jacob! Jacob!Here I am," he replied.3"I am God, the God of your father," he said. "Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there.4I will go down to Egypt with you, and I will surely bring you back again. And Joseph's own hand will close your eyes."5Then Jacob left Beersheba, and Israel's sons took their father Jacob and their children and their wives in the carts that Pharaoh had sent to transport him.6They also took with them their livestock and the possessions they had acquired in Canaan, and Jacob and all his offspring went to Egypt.7He took with him to Egypt his sons and grandsons and his daughters and granddaughters-all his offspring.28Now Jacob sent Judah ahead of him to Joseph to get directions to Goshen. When they arrived in the region of Goshen,29Joseph had his chariot made ready and went to Goshen to meet his father Israel. As soon as Joseph appeared before him, he threw his arms around his father and wept for a long time.30Israel said to Joseph, "Now I am ready to die, since I have seen for myself that you are still alive."
Matthew
16I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.17"Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues.18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles.19But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say,20for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.21"Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death.22All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.23When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. I tell you the truth, you will not finish going through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes.
Sermon
The first reading from Genesis tells the story of Jacob, who, guided by God, travels to Egypt with his family. Despite the uncertainties of the journey and the challenges of leaving the land of Canaan, Jacob trusts in God’s promise to make of him a great nation. The passage highlights Jacob’s deep faith and the emotional reunion with his son Joseph, who had been separated from him for many years. This story reminds us of the importance of trusting in God’s providence, even when the path ahead seems unclear.
The Gospel reading from Matthew presents a very different scene. Jesus sends his disciples out into the world, warning them that they will face persecution and hardship. He encourages them to be wise and innocent, trusting that the Holy Spirit will guide them in their moments of trial. This passage emphasizes the cost of discipleship and the need for courage and perseverance in the face of adversity. Just as Jacob trusted God in his journey, the disciples are called to trust in God’s presence and strength as they carry out their mission.
Both readings remind us that faith is not about avoiding challenges but about trusting God in the midst of them. In our own lives, we may face uncertainties, difficulties, or even persecution. Like Jacob, we are called to trust in God’s plan, even when the future seems uncertain. Like the disciples, we are called to be bold in living out our faith, knowing that God will give us the grace we need to persevere. Let us ask for the strength to remain faithful, even in the face of trials, and to trust that God is always with us, guiding us on our journey.