All is well

The episode from the life of Joseph, son of Jacob, from the Book Of Genesis in the Roman Catholic Lectionary today shows how even the evil which might be done to us can create opportunities for witness to the steadfast love and protection of God. Friar Jude Winkler looks at the action of forgiveness from Joseph as a model which reminds us that great good can result when we seize the opportunity to let the grace of God move us to compassion, acceptance, reconciliation and love. If the reaction of Joseph had been revenge, retaliation and rejection, we might conclude that his brothers deserved it after all. God does not act to make sure we experience what we deserve; He continually calls us to receive more than we deserve. We cannot be worthy of the intimate relationship He desires with us. The Gospel of Matthew provides advice to those going out to spread the Good News of Jesus and the reign of God over the people. This Kingdom of God brings healing and peace as people move toward trust in Providence. The worthy, who the disciples are advised to seek out, are those people who live open to the will of God for their lives. In the company of these good souls, who we see in all our communities, the Word will be heard and the power of transformation may begin to act. Matthew presents the advice of Jesus, from His experience, that some will not be open to hear. Some will reject the evangelists. The shaking off of the dust from our feet is not a wish of condemnation but it is a sign that there is an obstacle to moving forward which we identify, while trusting that God will transform the situation in His time.