Readings: Genesis 41:55-57,42:5-7,17-24; Psalm 33; Matthew 10:1-7
In the first reading we hear what love can do in the place of revenge. Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers and now we read of his chance to get even with them. But he chose instead to help them in the time of great famine. This story reminds us that St Joseph is the great provider, taking care for many years of Jesus and Mary. For this reason, Pope Pius IX named him the patron of the universal church. Last month Pope Francis reminded us of it.
In the responsorial Psalm we pray: “Lord let your mercy be upon us, as we place our trust in you.” So, trust in the Lord and He will take care of us.
In the Gospel Jesus calls the twelve Apostles each by name and sends them to proclaim the Good News, "The kingdom of heaven has come near." We are joyful today that the Good News has not changed and the words of Jesus remain the same for all time. This is good news for us as the words of Jesus guide us along the way to our salvation. We live in a world of change: let us thank Jesus for the word that leads us and makes us strong in the way we follow him. As I said in the beginning, love beats revenge and hate and discrimination.