Daily Readings - Sat Jul 15 2023
Genesis
29Then he gave them these instructions: "I am about to be gathered to my people. Bury me with my fathers in the cave in the field of Ephron the Hittite,30the cave in the field of Machpelah, near Mamre in Canaan, which Abraham bought as a burial place from Ephron the Hittite, along with the field.31There Abraham and his wife Sarah were buried, there Isaac and his wife Rebekah were buried, and there I buried Leah.33When Jacob had finished giving instructions to his sons, he drew his feet up into the bed, breathed his last and was gathered to his people.
15When Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, "What if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?"16So they sent word to Joseph, saying, "Your father left these instructions before he died:17'This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.' Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father." When their message came to him, Joseph wept.18His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. "We are your slaves," they said.19But Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God?20You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.21So then, don't be afraid. I will provide for you and your children." And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.22Joseph stayed in Egypt, along with all his father's family. He lived a hundred and ten years23and saw the third generation of Ephraim's children. Also the children of Makir son of Manasseh were placed at birth on Joseph's knees.24Then Joseph said to his brothers, "I am about to die. But God will surely come to your aid and take you up out of this land to the land he promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob."25And Joseph made the sons of Israel swear an oath and said, "God will surely come to your aid, and then you must carry my bones up from this place."26So Joseph died at the age of a hundred and ten. And after they embalmed him, he was placed in a coffin in Egypt.
Matthew
24"A student is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master.25It is enough for the student to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebub, how much more the members of his household!26"So do not be afraid of them. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.27What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs.28Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.29Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father.30And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.31So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.32"Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven.33But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful themes of trust, forgiveness, and divine providence. The first reading from Genesis recounts the final moments of Jacob and the subsequent events as Joseph confronts his brothers. Jacob, nearing death, ensures he is buried in the land promised by God, symbolizing his unwavering trust in God's covenant. After Jacob's death, his brothers, fearing retribution, approach Joseph, who instead of vengeance, offers forgiveness. Joseph's profound statement, "You devised evil against me, but God turned it into good," illustrates his deep trust in God's plan, recognizing that even in adversity, God works for the good.
The Gospel from Matthew complements this narrative as Jesus prepares His disciples for the challenges of following Him. He warns them that they will face persecution, just as He did, but encourages them not to fear. Jesus emphasizes that nothing is hidden that will not be revealed, and that even the smallest details of their lives are known to God. He urges them to acknowledge Him publicly, promising that He will acknowledge them before the Father. This teaching underscores the importance of trust in God's providence and the courage to live according to one's faith, even in the face of adversity.
Both readings invite us to reflect on our trust in God's plan. Like Joseph, we are called to forgive and trust that God can transform evil into good. Like the disciples, we are challenged to have the courage to stand firm in our faith, knowing that God cares for us deeply. In our daily lives, we face many challenges, but these readings remind us to approach them with faith, trusting in God's providence and living with the courage to acknowledge Him in all we do. Let us embrace this trust and courage, knowing that God is always with us, guiding us through life's trials.