Friday July 10, 2009

Friday July 10, 2009 of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Genesis 46: 1-7, 28-30 Psalm 37: 3-4, 18-19, 27-28, 39-40
Matthew 10: 16-23
Response: “ The salvation of the just comes from the Lord”

We don’t listen very well! We almost never hear of someone being told, by God, what their future will be. We sometimes dream we’ve been privileged to receive a message but most of the time we believe it’s our dreamy experience, not fact.
The patriarchs weren’t so skeptical. When they were granted a dream or a vision or a personal visit they didn’t think it unusual for God to stoop to talk to them. Is it because our Faith isn’t strong?
Israel had more than one encounter with God. It made him no difference whether God showed up in person, a dream or a vision. His relationship was personal and he behaved that way.
So, when God instructed him to go to Egypt, he didn’t haggle. He upped his family, possessions and jaunted to Egypt. When he came to his assigned spot, Goshen, his son Joseph came and they had a tearful reunion. Israel was so taken he declared, “Now I’m ready to join my fathers”
Their joy was so complete, each sobbed with tears of happiness!
We have the same opportunity when we have been reconciled with our God in the Sacrament of Penance and been cleansed of our sins!

Although Israel didn’t always produce a righteous persona, in his old age, he finally came to the conclusion his God knew what was to come and he reconciled himself to whatever God decided. He watched over His flock as a Good Shepherd always.

Jesus knew what the Apostles would face in a hostile world. So he warned them to be cautious in their dealings with those they were trying to convert. Some folks have no conscience and even if God were to appear to them, they would look for ways to profit from the experience.
The lesson is we are to be frank and honest with those with whom we come in contact.
If they know we are always reliable and do not waffle in adversity, they will somehow listen even if they don’t believe. This may be the seed God wants planted. He’ll nurture it and