DO YOUR BEST TO DO GOOD TO PEOPLE FOR YOU DO NOT KNOW TOMORROW(Genesis 41:55-57;42:5-7,17-24/Psalm 33:2-3,10-11,18-19/Matthew 10:1-7)

 DO YOUR BEST TO BE GOOD TO PEOPLE FOR YOU DO NOT KNOW TOMORROW

(Wednesday, July 10, 2019)

The first reading today which is part of the story of Joseph and his brothers reminds us that no condition is permanent. The story reminds us to keep on waiting on God. That for the fact that the situation of things is too bad for us today does not mean that it will remain forever. The poor Joseph of yesterday who was sold out of hatred and wickedness by his brothers is now their king and Saviour.

The whole story is indeed touching and interesting and it reminds us also of the importance of doing good and being fair to those who cross our paths in season and out of season. The story points to the fact that change is the only thing that is constant here on earth because the person we see today as nobody may turn out tomorrow to be the person that will save us. In fact, the reality of change happened between Joseph and his brothers.

This boils down to the sayings: "that what goes around comes around" and "the world is a very small place", that the person you see when you are going up as nobody and treated him/her as such may become the king when you are coming down and be the one who may likely decide your case and situation and so on. Never in their world of thinking and imagination that Joseph's brothers ever thought or even dreamt that Joseph will turn out to be their "Saviour".

They treated him as if tomorrow will never come. This story is indeed a practical lesson for each and every one us especially those who never deemed it necessary to consider the wellbeing of others especially those they are better off today. Jesus in the gospel summoned His Twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness. (Mt. 10:1)

The first sentence of the Gospel today captures the strongest message for us: What does God want to be our mission in life? Today, we are called by Jesus to spread the good news: The Kingdom of God is here! We see Jesus sending out His closest twelve disciples to spread His message: the Kingdom of God is at hand. He sends them to do the critical work of evangelizing and healing. Drive out unclean spirits and cure every disease.

He gives them “authority” over the unclean spirit. So today we are sent. In all of our imperfections and in all of the ways we know we are inadequate. We are sent to heal those in our world who need healing. To forgive those who desperately need our forgiveness. To drive out the unclean spirits of jealousy, greed and anger.

Let Us Pray: O Lord, give me grace not to be envious or jealous of my neighbour. May I be content with what you have given me. Amen.