Readings: Exodus 1:8-14,22, Ps. 124, Matthew 10:34-11:1
“He who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 10:38-39)
In today’s first reading, we read: “Now there arose in Egypt a Pharaoh who did not know Joseph….” How come there was a Pharaoh who did not know Joseph? How did the nation of Egypt forget so quickly about Joseph, who saved their country during the famine? Failure to teach history to our children often results in serious errors.
On the other hand, it is possible that the new Pharaoh knew Joseph but felt threatened by the high increase among the Israelites. The Israelites had overstayed their welcome. Pharaoh considered them a threat, and he feared that the Egyptians might become a minority in their land. However, instead of peacefully letting them go, Pharaoh chose to make life unbearable for them.
As humans, we tend to forget quickly the good things that others have done for us, but we never forget their offences. I saw a video on Facebook about a young man with kidney failure. None of his family members agreed to donate a kidney to him, even though theirs could match. His wife-to-be, out of love, presented one of hers. However, as soon as he left the hospital, he told her he could not marry her because his family members said she was no longer complete. Where were the family members when his life hung in the balance?
Surely, we live in a strange world. If Pharaoh could forget what Joseph, let us bear in mind that whatever good we do for others will only be rewarded by God. Today’s responsorial psalm sings: “Our help is in the name of the Lord.” Our help isn’t in the name of the people we once helped. No. It comes only from God. When people need your help, they treat you like God, but after helping them, you become trash to them.
Like the Good Samaritan, be good to people regardless of tribe, race, colour or religion, but never expect anything in return from them. Do it for God. Build up treasures for yourself in heaven. Those you help today may turn around to hurt you tomorrow. Go ahead and support them. Jesus told us today that whoever gives a disciple as little as a cup of water shall not lose his reward. Where is that reward coming from? It comes from God.
Why did the Israelites refuse to return home after the famine? The land of Canaan, which they left upon Joseph’s invitation to Egypt, was now flowing with milk and honey, so much so that its inhabitants had become giants (too much food). Yet, the Israelites were languishing under Pharaoh’s persecution. This shows that we could become too comfortable in a foreign land that we forget about our home. On the other hand, we could become too comfortable in this strange world that we forget we are only sojourners on earth.
Jesus says: “Do not think that I have come to bring peace on earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword… He who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 10:34-39). This world is not our home. This is why we cannot find lasting peace on Earth. Again, this explains why the world hates us. If we belonged here, the world would love us.
We are only sojourners in a strange world. Our homeland is heaven – that is the land flowing with milk and honey. To get there, we cannot afford to love this world; instead, we must deny ourselves, take our crosses and follow Jesus’ footsteps. If we are looking for life here on Earth, we will lose it. If we store treasures for ourselves here on earth, moth and rust will destroy them, or thieves will break in and steal. (cf. Matthew 6:19). We have heard many stories of persons whose money suddenly vanished from their bank accounts after a period of inactivity. Relatives of deceased persons even find it challenging to claim what they left behind. It is truly a strange world.
What is the point of amassing wealth that neither you nor your family may ever enjoy? Do not love the world. Do not seek comfort here. Be content with the little you have and share whatever you can with others. Don’t forget your home. “What shall it profit you to gain the whole world and lose your soul?” (Mark 8:38).
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, may our love for you be more than our love for this world. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Monday of week 15 in Ordinary Time, Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: Exodus 1:8-14,22, Ps. 124, Matthew 10:34-11:1).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu