Readings: Genesis 41:55-57,42:5-7,17-24, Ps. 33:2-3,10-11,18-19, Matthew 10:1-7
“Did I not tell you not to sin against the lad? But you would not listen. So now there comes a reckoning for his blood.” (Genesis 42:21)
Sir Isaac Newton said, “To every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.” In other words, it is how you lay your bed that you lie on it. When Joseph’s brothers acted wickedly towards him, they felt they could cut short his dreams, but unknown to them, they helped bring Joseph’s dreams to pass.
It was fun for Joseph’s brothers when they sat down to eat the food Joseph brought for them while they watched him being led into slavery in tears. It is fun for us when we engage in sinful acts, but there comes a day of reckoning.
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.
The same Joseph, whom his brothers considered unnecessary, became the Governor of Egypt. The same Joseph who was sold is the one about whom Pharaoh said, “Go to Joseph, do whatever he tells you.” Learn to treat your assistants, subordinates, employees, and those beneath your rank with love and respect. You don’t know what God has planned for their future.
The evil we do lives with us. That child you aborted may be the helper God prepared for you. That child you refused to feed, molested, assaulted, and used as a work machine may become your life-saver tomorrow.
Ruben asked his brothers: “Did I not tell you not to sin against the lad?” Of course, he told them, but why did he refuse to take action? Why did he hide the matter from their father? It is not enough to speak out against evil; we must take action to stop it. It is never too late to make amends.
In the Gospel passage, Jesus, having noted that the harvest is rich and the labourers are few, empowers his disciples for the work of God by giving them authority over unclean spirits and sicknesses. Matthew mentions the names of the twelve. He also adds that among them was Judas Iscariot, who eventually betrayed Jesus (just as Joseph’s brothers betrayed him by selling him off to slavery).
Jesus knew that Judas Iscariot was capable of this sin. Jesus knew he had personal weaknesses (such as greed, dishonesty, and stealing), but Jesus never kicked Judas out. We may not be perfect, but as long as we are available to God, He can use us like a potter who makes beautiful clay pots from broken pieces.
Judas had many opportunities to repent, but he remained adamant (He was more concerned about making others believe he was a saint). His evil deeds ultimately caught up with him. God wants to work with you despite your weaknesses, but if you do not repent (grow up, change or adjust), the evils you do will hunt you tomorrow.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, like Jacob, give us wisdom to constantly weigh the consequences of our thoughts, words, and deeds. 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. (Wednesday of week 14 in Ordinary Time. Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: Genesis 41:55-57,42:5-7,17-24, Ps. 33:2-3,10-11,18-19, Matthew 10:1-7).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu