The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, July 7, 2005
The Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Genesis 44:18-21, 23-29; 45:1-5
Psalm 105:16-21
Matthew 10:7-15

A reflection on today's Scripture. . . .

Whoever will not receive you or listen to your words --
go outside that house or town
and shake the dust from your feet. (see Matthew 10:15)

One underlying theme in today's readings is forgiveness. In Genesis we see Joseph's jealous brothers selling him into slavery which eventually brought him to Egypt to serve in Pharaoh's household. There he showed exceptional abilities by predicting a famine and ordering greater production and storage of food to avert their people's starvation. This won him authority which was second only to that of the "crown."

Famine, however, did strike neighboring Israel. Joseph's father, not knowing his son was alive, sent his brothers to Egypt to buy provisions for his family. When the brothers realized they were to deal with Joseph whom they had betrayed, they feared retribution. Joseph's behavior toward them narrates the most touching story in the Old Testament; for he reflects the very goodness of God--forgiveness combined with loving generosity.

Our Gospel expands this theme, but in addition we learn that God's forgiveness and salvation belongs to those (like Joseph's brothers) who acknowledge and repent of their sin. The injured party is called by God to always forgive the perpetrator, since grudges only destroy inner peace and fuel further conflicts. Likewise, the sinner, to be freed of his sin, must admit his wrongdoing before God and seek making amends as best he can to both God and man. Christ tells His disciples to break all connection with any who rebuff His word, who choose to remain blind to and unrepentant of their transgressions. On the day of judgment, these will suffer the consequences of their having rejected God's divine mercy.

O Loving God,
guide and protector of Your people, keep us always in Your love by giving us an unfailing respect for and obedience to Your living Word, Jesus Christ. Amen

- Marie Bocko, OCDS
(mlbocko at earthlink dot net)

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