In the Gospel today, Jesus sends out the disciples to proclaim the kingdom. One of the things that the Lord said: “Do not bring gold, or silver or copper for your belts, no sack for the journey, or second tunic or sandals or walking stick.” Why doesn't the Lord want the disciples to bring all of these things? Because he wanted them to focus on the message, and that they shouldn't let anything get in the way of proclaiming the kingdom of God.

There was a story told about a priest who was sent to do missionary work in Tanzania, and he had a laptop computer, iphone and ipad, and all his electronics. He was worried that they won't have internet there, so he wrote a letter to the Bishop, asking him: Do you have internet? The Bishop wrote back and said: “Father, we're looking forward to your presence in our country. We don't have internet, but we will make sure that you have a mosquito net.”

In our first reading, we continue the story of Joseph of Egypt. Despite his circumstances, God called him to embrace an important role, to help people during times of famine, not only the people of Egypt, but also his own biological family. Now, Joseph could have refused to give his family food. He had reasons to hold back. Look at the way they treated him. They sold him into slavery, Joseph spent 13 years in an Egyptian prison. Joseph could've spent those years figuring out a way to get his revenge. When his brothers visited them, he could have them arrested and send them to prison. Instead, Joseph chose mercy. The results were wonderful. Not only did he helped his family, but he also paved the way for God to bring peace and healing to his family. Because of Joseph's forgiveness, Jacob and descendants could once more become God's chosen one, and the covenant God had established with Abraham continues, and great people were born such as King David, and prophets, and centuries later, Jesus the Messiah. It was all because Joseph chose to be merciful. If God accomplished all this through Joseph's forgiveness, imagine what he can do when we choose to forgive. Let us ask God for the grace to be merciful. 

Think about a person in your past that may have hurt you, and maybe you have been holding to a grudge for a long time.  Can you forgive that person.  Can you understand why that person did what they did?  Can you ask God for help to forgive that person?  

 Let us ask God to help us break any cycles of revenge. As we remember the merciful words of Jesus from the cross: “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” And we can see the Kingdom of God unfolding in our midst.

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Joseph of Egypt

Joseph of Egypt

Joseph was the son of Jacob, one of the youngest of his brothers.  His mother was not Leah but Rachel.  Remember that Jacob loved Rachel more than her older Sister, Leah.  Leah is described as someone who has beautiful eyes because that's the only nice thing about her.  Some depictions of her on television shows or movies that she looks quite masculine and also has a beard.  

Joseph was kind of a 'show off' person.  He dreamt that once the sun, moon and all the stars bow down to him.  His Father made him a coat of many colors and Joseph liked to show it off to his brothers.  He boast as if he the favorite son.  Joseph probably didn't do it on purpose.  He had a simple and innocence attitude.  But the brothers hated the boastful but innocent attitude.  If I was one of his brothers, I would know how they feel towards their 'show off' brother.  I can see why they would throw him into the cistern and then sell Joseph as a slave.  

But despite all the tragedy that happen to Joseph, in retrospect, it happened for a reason.  Joseph was able to provide for his family in time of famine.  This is when Israel and his family moved and resided in Egypt.

Taking on the second highest position in Egypt, overseeing the food supply, Joseph decided to trick his family into bringing the rest of the family to Egypt.  He could've easily sought retribution for the way he was treated by his brothers, but he loved them and never wanted any harm done to them.  His tears display his affection for them.  

The nations throughout the world went to Joseph because he would provide for their needs in time of famine.  In a similar way, the Church is to take on the same responsibility.  The Church is to be a place of refuge and shelter for those who are in need, physically and most especially spiritually through prayer.  

God's word today also speaks that true freedom is to show mercy and forgiveness.  Freedom is the offspring of mercy.  When we forgive and show mercy, we are free from the need to get even.  The Lord demonstrate that for us on the cross when he said: "Father forgive them for they know not what they do."

The Church is place of refuge and shelter for those in need.  The Church is a dispenser of mercy.