Daily Readings - Fri Jul 14 2023
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
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.