The Spirit of the Father speaks through you

Gen. 46:1-7.28-30, Mt. 10:16-23. God is in control of everything, even though events happen which are opposed to how mortals often see the plan of God. In today's first reading, Jacob leaves the land which was promised to his grandfather, Abraham and his father, Isaac. It was hard for Jacob to leave the land which he knew God had given to his ancestors. God reassures him that his son Joseph would bring his remains back to his homeland and that part of the Divine plan includes the family of Israel going down to Egypt where they will become a great nation. Thus, Jacob and his family of almost seventy children and grandchildren travelled to Egypt to be reunited with Joseph and begin a new episode in their journey of faith. In their meeting, their tears of grief became tears of joy. As soon as Joseph saw Jacob, he flung himself on his elderly father’s neck and wept a long time in his arms. To avert more cases of hostility to others, Jesus enjoins us to persevere with high hopes and rely on the Divine providence: "Do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. You will be given at that moment what you are to say. For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you."

In today's Gospel, Jesus sends out His Apostles to begin their ministry in His name. Jesus told His disciples that they would encounter severe persecutions, oppressions and challenges from the powerful state authorities and all those who oppose the Gospel values. This is the reality which the Lord did not hide but revealed to His disciples. However, the Lord also reassured us of His continuous help as we embark on our missionary journey and works, echoing what the Lord had told Jacob many centuries previously. He would be with all of His disciples, followers and all who have professed their faith in Him and He would journey together with them, suffering with them and helping them to endure all the persecutions and trials that they would face in the midst of their ministry. The Lord is ever faithful to the Covenant which He had made with us and He will always stand by us no matter what, He will not abandon us for we truly have nothing to fear even if we are facing the worst of oppositions and troubles. As Christians, we have to embrace our calling and respective mission in life with faith and trust the Lord with our lives, at all times. We have to believe in Him, put our trust in Him and be strengthened with courage and faith.

May the Lord give us the courage to confront all that need to be challenged with simplicity and help us to be open to hearing the truth! Amen!! Good morning and have a pleasant day!!!