Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you. --Psalm 33:22
Mass readings: Genesis 41:55-57;42:5-7,17-24 / Matthew 10:1-7
Today's reading from Genesis relates a part of the tale of Joseph, sold into slavery by his own brothers, rejected by his own blood. It's hurtful but also uplifting because Joseph forgives his brothers, feeds them during famine, restores full fellowship with them, and reunites their splintered family.
It's a story most of us can relate to. Jealousy, anger, longstanding grudges, and cold-heartedness damage and separate families everywhere. Once, I prayed for the Lord to help me ''patch things up'' with an estranged family member. ''No,'' He told me, ''no fixing potholes; I will pave a new roadway.'' And He did! Today, we communicate frequently, love each other, support each other. The Genesis story is a timeless one; it's our story, a tale of pain and suffering but more importantly a tale of healing.
Prayer: Lord, bless all families and heal those whose members are estranged.