Today's readings: March 13, 2009
Reading One: Gn 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a ;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 105:16-17, 18-19, 20-21 ;
Gospel: Mt 21:33-43, 45-46 ; go to this page (for all three sections listed above on one page) And here's an audio file; & reflections (video)
Today's readings make so much more sense - if you read scripture, and know what happens to Joseph after he is tossed down the well by his brothers. The story is much better than my quick summary, so please read it for yourselves (chap 37 thru the end of Genesis), and also know you will better appreciate the Gospel and the words spoken by Jesus, if you are well versed in the Old Testament. I mean, do you think you could understand chemistry if you never did your homework? Anyway - Joseph gets tossed down the well, and goes to Egypt as a prisoner. He becomes a trusted mentor of a pharaoh, and does a great job. BUT - the next pharaoh throws him in prison, where he interprets the dreams of two men. The first dream comes out well, so the second guy asks for Joseph his thoughts. Joseph tells him he will be killed, which happens. He asks the first guy to tell pharaoh about him, looking for help - but the man doesn't say a thing until much later, when pharaoh has some dreams and needs a wise man of God ways to tell him what is going on. THEN he remembers Joseph, and pharaoh (the 2nd pharaoh) asks him to tell him about his dreams. Joseph tells him that Egypt will have seven great years of harvests, followed by seven years of famine. And he appoints Joseph as head of all the country's food to help avert the impending disaster. All that he said came to pass, and ultimately he meets up with his old brothers who tossed them down the well (his brothers are starving, so they come to Egypt, where Joseph helped them be ready). In the end, he tells his brothers he is not mad at them at all, he loves them - and here's the big point... Everything turns out well, because it is in God's hands. God is GREAT and he is so thankful to God, because God is amazing.
Knowing that story and how it turns out - makes the Gospel come alive. Yes, Jesus is going to get humiliated and crucified. A terrible death of a totally innocent man. But in the end, He is glorified by God His Father, so much so - that His name, Jesus is above all names for all time. The story told today is a wonderful comfort for all those undergoing hardships, especially those who are being destroyed, humiliated, sent to prison, abandoned by their families, but are innocent of the crimes they are being accused of or even if guilty, if they amend their ways, and turn to God for help, God will be there to help. He doesn't draw away from us, we draw away from Him. Trust in God, hope in Him still. Hang in there. Don't get dragged down by evil men or women, or evil ways. It all works out in the end, and indeed the truth does and will come out. You are asked to follow Him, and that means if you are focused on being good, loving God with all your heart, mind, soul & strength - you will probably get pounded in this world. By your enemies, but also - by your friends and even perhaps your family, just like Joseph was. Jesus is quite clear about this reality. Keep the faith, and keep your heart, mind and soul focused on God. He will give you the courage to rise above any and all adversities. I can tell you from experience, he pulled my sorry self out of the well many times. Thank you.
Or, as my neighbor Freddie likes to say - sometimes you have to wade through a pig sty to come out smelling like a rose. His dad told him that. And remember to take great solace in the words of today's psalm - Remember the marvels that God has done. But how can you remember, if you are far away from God? and haven't done a lick of work to get close? So do your homework, learn more about God. Go to church, say thank you, and get close to Him, just like a good parent wants to have his or her child love and respect them, you are God's children. Love God. With all your heart, mind and soul.
In case you missed the post from yesterday - read the readings, and learn more about what Jesus wants you to do. (love each other, especially those who need love the most). And if you want to see some cool pictures of my journey to Asheville, check it out. I was blessed to take some really wonderful pictures, that helped remind me of how marvelous God is.
