In our first reading today we have the continuation of the heart-wrenching story of Joseph, his brothers and their father, Israel. As you recall, Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery to the Egyptians when he was very young, and then a circumstance arose where these brothers had to come to ask for food from him as he had gained respect in Egypt and held in high post in Pharaoh's court. After concealing his identity and testing his brothers, Joseph finally revealed his identity and there was a very tearful and purifying conclave where the healing grace of reconciliation was running freely. And now today we have their father, who had been deceived about Joseph's disappearance, coming to meet his beloved lost son after many years of anguish, thinking about him and praying for him: and Israel flung himself on Joseph's neck and wept in his arms and said: At last I can die, now that I have seen for myself that Joseph is still alive! The prayers of parents for their children are indeed very powerful.
What is key in this whole story is that God very often times uses a bad situation to bring about a good one later on!
This is why we are asked not to judge any situation in progress. What appears evil now, may be permitted by God, so a much greater good can happen down the road. It is much better to pray for a happy conclusion than to try to help orchestrate the way out. Let God take care of that! He can do it in a way that will boggle our minds – so much does he love us and truly provides for all of our needs.
In the gospel passage Jesus tells his Apostles to go out into a hostile world and bring the message of reconciliation and peace come what may – for not only God's people, but the whole world needs to know that HOPE is truly present and available! We know it resides in Christ Jesus our Divine Lord and Savior and Friend – and we want as many else as is possible to know it!
When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you to all truth!
No comments:
Post a Comment