Sending forth the apostles to proclaim the Gospel

 

Every of our move is meant to glorify God, both our pains and joys.

Reflection on Today’s Readings, Friday of 14th Week in Ordinary Time, Year I, July 14th, 2023
Texts: Genesis 46:1-7.2b-30; Psalm 37:3-4.18-19.27-28.39-40; Matthew 10: 16-23

             Sending forth the apostles to proclaim the Gospel

Today’s first reading is about Jacob’s going forth from Canaan to Egypt. He ensured that it was according to God’s will. He prayed to God and God revealed that it was according to His plan. God promised to go with him to Egypt and make him a great nation. We learn from Jacob to seek divine counsel and ensure that we live according to divine will. 

Living according to divine will is not all about seeking divine counsel but also doing good. Hence, today’s Psalm says, "Then turn away from evil and do good, and you may abide forever; for indeed, the Lord loves justice, and will never forsake his faithful."

Every of our move is meant to glorify God

Today’s gospel reading is about Jesus sending forth the apostles to proclaim the Gospel. Jesus Christ did not forget to tell them what would become of them as result of the mission. Being on mission is living and fulfilling the divine will. In such a life every of our move is meant to glorify God, both our pains and joys. Jesus said, "Beware of men; for they will deliver you up to councils, and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear testimony before them and the Gentiles."

Jesus also reminds us that being n mission comes with a great sacrifice. We read,"Behold, "I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves." It comes with experience of betrayal, death penalty, disappointment from family and friends. 

What we become of us if we live according to divine will

We learn from today’s readings what we become of us if we live according to divine will. When we live according to God’s will, God will be with us. God says, "I am God, the God of your father; do not be afraid to go down to Egypt; for I will there make of you a great nation. I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also bring you up again; and Joseph’s hand shall close your eyes.” God will save us. Hence, the psalm says, "But from the Lord comes the salvation of the just, their stronghold in time of distress. The Lord helps them and rescues them, Rescues and saves them from the wicked: Because they take refuge in him."

Prayer

God of salvation, look upon us Your servants and grant us Your unfailing salvation; deliver us from the clutches of enemies. Amen

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke