Daily Readings - Fri Jul 14 2017

First Reading - Genesis 46.1-7, 28-30

¹And Israel, setting out with all that he had, arrived at the Well of the Oath. And sacrificing victims there to the God of his father Isaac²he heard him, by a vision in the night, calling him, and saying to him: "Jacob, Jacob." And he answered him, "Behold, here I am.³God said to him: "I am the most strong God of your father. Do not be afraid. Descend into Egypt, for there I will make of you a great nation⁴I will descend with you to that place, and I will lead you back from there, returning. Also, Joseph will place his hands over your eyes⁵Then Jacob rose up from the Well of the Oath. And his sons took him, with their little ones and wives, in the wagons that Pharaoh had sent to carry the old man⁶along with all that he possessed in the land of Canaan. And he arrived in Egypt with all his offspring⁷his sons and his grandsons, his daughters and all his progeny together²⁸Then he sent Judah ahead of himself, to Joseph, in order to report to him, and so that he would meet him in Goshen²⁹And when he had arrived there, Joseph harnessed his chariot, and he went up to meet his father at the same place. And seeing him, he fell upon his neck, and, amid embraces, he wept³⁰And the father said to Joseph, "Now I will die happy, because I have seen your face, and I am leaving you behind alive.

Gospel - Matthew 10.16-23

Matthew

Chapter 10

¹⁶Behold, I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore, be as prudent as serpents and as simple as doves¹⁷But beware of men. For they will hand you over to councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues¹⁸And you shall be led before both rulers and kings for my sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles¹⁹But when they hand you over, do not choose to think about how or what to speak. For what to speak shall be given to you in that hour²⁰For it is not you who will be speaking, but the Spirit of your Father, who will speak in you²¹And brother will hand over brother to death, and father will hand over son. And children will rise up against parents and bring about their deaths²²And you will be hated by all for the sake of my name. But whoever will have persevered, even to the end, the same shall be saved²³Now when they persecute you in one city, flee into another. Amen I say to you, you will not have exhausted all the cities of Israel, before the Son of man returns

Sermon

In today's readings, we encounter two profound narratives that invite us to reflect on trust and divine providence. The first reading from Genesis recounts Jacob's journey to Egypt, guided by God's promise to make his descendants a great nation. Despite the uncertainty of leaving Canaan, Jacob trusts in God's assurance, exemplifying unwavering faith. The Gospel from Matthew shifts our focus to Jesus instructing His disciples on facing persecution. He warns them of trials but promises the Holy Spirit's guidance, emphasizing perseverance and trust in God's plan. Both readings highlight the theme of trust amidst adversity. Jacob's story shows God's faithfulness in leading His people, while Jesus teaches His disciples to rely on divine assistance during hardships. This connection underscores the enduring message of trusting God, even when the path is uncertain. In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to embrace faith when challenges arise. Like Jacob and the disciples, we are reminded that following God's will may lead to difficulties, but His grace and guidance are ever-present. The moral lesson is clear: perseverance and trust in God's providence are essential. As we navigate life's uncertainties, may we find strength in knowing that God is with us, guiding us through every trial.