July 11, St. Benedict

Be glad you lowly ones; may your hearts be glad!-- Psalm 69:33

Mass readings: Genesis 49:29-32;50:15-26 / Matthew 10:24-33

Turning Evil into Good

In today's Old Testament story, Joseph, sold into slavery by his brothers, assured them after Divine Providence reunited them, ''Even though you meant harm to me, God meant it for good'' (Gn 50:20). Joseph's misfortunes became the means whereby God saved nations from famine.

God still turns evil into good. During the Cold War, Father Walter Ciszek (1904-1984), a Jesuit ministering to Russian Catholics, was accused of espionage and sentenced to 15 years hard labor. But Father Ciszek, like Joseph, saw the potential for good and later wrote, ''God is in all things, sustains all things, directs all things. No danger could threaten me, no fear could shake me, except the fear of losing sight of Him.'' This priest's testimony, borne from suffering, continues to nourish souls starving for hope in dire circumstances.

Prayer: Lord, when we're poorly treated, remind us that You can transform harm into good.