In the Gospel reading today from Matthew 10, Jesus sends out the Twelve and gives them their “marching orders.” He says to them, “Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.” The same holds true for us. God has given us everything freely. We should be willing to share the gifts that we have freely.
In the first reading from Genesis 44 and 45, we read more of the story of Joseph. His brothers had sold him into slavery. He had risen in the ranks of Pharaoh’s court and was governor of all of Egypt. He was tasked with giving grain to all the people during the terrible famine. Now his brothers had to come to him to save their lives. He finally reveals himself to his brothers and embraces them, even in their shame and guilt. Joseph says, “But now do not be distressed, and do not reproach yourselves for having sold me here. It was really for the sake of saving lives that God sent me here ahead of you.”
Joseph had a sense of God’s grand plan. He could see that something that must have seemed so terrible at first was really for a greater purpose. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we had that same kind of vision? We often have it ex post facto. We can often recognize God’s hand in retrospect. But can we sense God’s hand moving in our lives even in the midst of hardship? Let’s pray that God will open our eyes to possibilities in every circumstance.
Father, we know that you have a great plan for our lives. Help us to understand that even trials and hardships are given us to accomplish your greater purpose. Amen.
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