Daily Readings - Wed Jul 12 2017

First Reading - Genesis 41.55-57; 42.5-7a, 17-24

⁵⁵And being hungry, the people cried out to Pharaoh, asking for provisions. And he said to them: "Go to Joseph. And do whatever he will tell you.⁵⁶Then the famine increased daily in all the land. And Joseph opened all of the storehouses and sold to the Egyptians. For the famine had oppressed them also⁵⁷And all the provinces came to Egypt, to buy food and to temper the misfortune of their destitution

Chapter 42

⁵And they entered into the land of Egypt with the others who traveled to buy. For the famine was in the land of Canaan⁶And Joseph was governor in the land of Egypt, and grain was sold under his direction to the people. And when his brothers had reverenced hi⁷and he had recognized them, he spoke harshly, as if to foreigners, questioning them: "Where did you come from?" And they responded, "From the land of Canaan, to buy necessary provisions.¹⁷Therefore, he delivered them into custody for three days¹⁸Then, on the third day, he brought them out of prison, and he said: "Do as I have said, and you will live. For I fear God¹⁹If you are peaceful, let one of your brothers be bound in prison. Then you may go away and carry the grain that you have bought to your houses²⁰And bring your youngest brother to me, so that I may be able to test your words, and you may not die." They did as he had said²¹and they spoke to one another: "We deserve to suffer these things, because we have sinned against our brother, seeing the anguish of his soul, when he begged us and we would not listen. For that reason, this tribulation has come upon us.²²And Reuben, one of them, said: "Did not I say to you, ‘Do not sin against the boy,’ and you would not listen to me? See, his blood is exacted.²³But they did not know that Joseph understood, because he was speaking to them through an interpreter²⁴And he turned himself away briefly and wept. And returning, he spoke to them

Gospel - Matthew 10.1-7

Matthew

Chapter 10

¹And having called together his twelve disciples, he gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out and to cure every sickness and every infirmity²Now the names of the twelve Apostles are these: the First, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother³James of Zebedee, and John his brother, Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the tax collector, and James of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus⁴Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him⁵Jesus sent these twelve, instructing them, saying: "Do not travel by the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter into the city of the Samaritans⁶but instead go to the sheep who have fallen away from the house of Israel⁷And going forth, preach, saying: ‘For the kingdom of heaven has drawn near.

Sermon

In today's readings, we encounter two profound narratives that invite us to reflect on leadership, trust, and divine providence. The first reading from Genesis recounts the story of Joseph, now a powerful leader in Egypt, as he confronts his brothers who have come seeking grain during a famine. Joseph's harsh demeanor and the test he imposes on his brothers reveal his wisdom and a deeper desire to discern their character. This story highlights themes of forgiveness and the complexities of human relationships, as Joseph's brothers grapple with guilt and remorse for their past actions. The Gospel from Matthew shifts our focus to Jesus, who commissions His twelve apostles to spread the message of the kingdom of heaven. Jesus entrusts them with authority to heal and cast out spirits, instructing them to focus their mission on the lost sheep of Israel. This passage underscores the importance of trust and obedience to God's call, as the apostles are sent forth with a specific purpose, relying on God's guidance and provision. Both readings invite us to reflect on how we respond to God's call in our own lives. Like Joseph, we may face situations where we are called to lead with compassion and wisdom, even in the face of past hurts. Like the apostles, we are invited to trust in God's plan and to step out in faith, sharing the Good News with others. These stories remind us that our lives are part of a larger narrative, one shaped by God's providence and our response to His call. May we, like Joseph and the apostles, embrace our roles with humility, trust, and a willingness to serve others in love.