DAILY HOMILIES #Joseph's brothers

While sending his disciples to preach, Jesus told them they were like sheep amid wolves. This meant that they were going to face all kinds of persecution. In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus tells them not to be afraid: “Have no fear of them; for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.” (Matthew 10:26). We are not to be scared because whatever secrets plan our enemies have against us will indeed be exposed.

Joseph was just a child when he suffered betrayal from his brothers. The worst acts of man’s inhumanity to man today are evils meted out against children. Think of the millions of children whose lives are destroyed through abortion, child abuse, sexual assault, neglect, forced labour, and even prostitution. Be good to children. Help these little ones; help them achieve their dreams.

Like the brothers of Joseph in the Old Testament, we could become so overwhelmed by envy that we begin to think that our survival depends on eliminating others. We begin to think that we can only shine when we quench that of others. This is the insanity of the envious mind.

Free your heart and move on. What you have now is far better than what you think you lost. Try to see the brighter side. Trust that God has always and will always be there for you. Even in your darkest moments, God is still there for you. He did it for Joseph. He will do it for you.

If there is any lesson we must take home today, it is: “Be good to children.” Help these little ones; help them achieve their dreams. The same Joseph considered unnecessary by his brothers became Governor of Egypt. The same Joseph sold off is the one about whom Pharaoh said: “Go to Joseph, do whatever he tells you.”

“Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 10:31-32)