July 9, 2009

Thursday July 9, 2009 of the 14th Week of Ordinary Time
Readings: Genesis: 44: 18-21, 23b-29; 45: 1-5 Psalm 105: 16-21
Matthew 10: 7-15
Response: “Remember the marvels the Lord has done!”

If we had been treated so shamefully as Joseph’s brothers had treated him by selling him to Egyptian caretakers, would we be able to take the stand Joseph took in declaring the incident in God will?
His heart was breaking not being able to embrace his brothers in spite of their rebellion against him. When, his heart could stand no more, he declared himself to be Joseph, their brother. When in this gesture he forgave their sin, it is a reminder to us. Do not hold grudges when our family disappoints us by some irrational behavior. God is the arbiter of justice, not us. By exhibiting love when society calls for vengeance, in Paul’s words, “we heap coals on their heavy consciences”.

Reckoning with the psalmist, we can believe God knew the immanence of the famine and He sent Joseph to correct the situation for Israel years in advance of the moment. God loves us with an unquenchable love and will not reduce us to nothing, even when we do not acknowledge His power.

When Christ commissioned the twelve and authorized them to heal in His Name, He also demanded they rely on Him for their sustenance. They were to take no provisions or extra garments but depend on the hospitality of the listeners. He told them their wish of peace, if it fell on receptive ears they would know it; conversely, when their peace was rejected they were to remove themselves from their presence, shake the dust from their clothes and go elsewhere.
Jesus didn’t propose if others would not accept our message of Love and Grace we are to give up but we are to await another time when perhaps they’ll be receptive. Many a convert has been brought into His Church by the perseverance of a true believer. However, we are not to badger anyone with our thoughts and teaching. Depend on the Holy Spirit to enrich their hearts!