Challenge to struggle

The texts of the Roman Catholic Lectionary today set the challenge for us that the task of spreading the Good News is our mission in life. The plan of God for Joseph and his descendants is recognized in the passage from Genesis. Joseph saw his life story as part of a great plan of God and this enabled him to forgive his brothers for their treachery. The Gospel from Matthew instructs the disciples who had learned about the Kingdom, one on one with Jesus, to proclaim it without fear of consequence, even though this would likely mean they would be treated like their Master. Friar Jude Winkler reflects on the theme of St Francis for proclaiming the Gospel we have received by living as Jesus lived. Kevin Kersten, S.J., suggests the directions of St Ignatius of Loyola as guide to our struggle. The Church commemorates St Benedict today. We can appreciate the impact those who have followed his rule have had on the spread of the Good News.