Protection in Providence

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today resonate with reflection on the work of our lives within which we respond to the will of God and deal with fear.

Remember to overcome fear

The passage from the Book of Genesis is an account of the farewell and death of Jacob and Joseph.

* [50:15–26] The final reconciliation of the brothers. Fearful of what may happen after the death of their father, the brothers engage in a final deception, inventing the dying wish of Jacob. Again, Joseph weeps, and, again, his brothers fall down before him, offering to be his slaves (44:16, 33). Joseph’s assurance is also a summation of the story: “Even though you meant harm to me, God meant it for good, to achieve this present end, the survival of many people” (v. 20). Joseph’s adoption of the children of Manasseh’s son Machir recalls Jacob’s adoption of his grandchildren (48:5, 13–20); the adoptions reflect tribal history (cf. Jgs 5:14).1 

Psalm 105 is a hymn to God who promised the land of Canaan to the holy people.

* [Psalm 105] A hymn to God who promised the land of Canaan to the holy people, cf. Ps 78; 106; 136. Israel is invited to praise and seek the presence of God (Ps 105:1–6), who is faithful to the promise of land to the ancestors (Ps 105:7–11).2 

In the Gospel from Matthew, Jesus exhorts us to have courage under persecution.

* [10:26] The concealed and secret coming of the kingdom is to be proclaimed by them, and no fear must be allowed to deter them from that proclamation.3 

Angela Maynard reflects on the themes of fear, and God’s protection and asks, “If we truly have faith that God is always watching over us, what is there to be afraid of?”

One’s faith can be easily tested. It’s important to do whatever we have to in order to avoid fear and feel God’s loving protection.  A wise woman suggested a gratitude journal. This has become a valuable tool for me personally. My gratitude journal allows me to make time for quiet reflection which leads me to focus on the graces in a situation that may be difficult.  It has allowed me to avoid fear, and to be confident in the plan God has for me.4 

Don Schwager shares that we either choose for Jesus and the kingdom he brings - God's rule of peace and righteousness, or we choose for the kingdom of this world which opposes God's truth and righteousness. That is why Jesus told his disciples that they must expect the same treatment of opposition and hostility if they accept him as their Lord (Messiah) and Master (Teacher).

There is both a warning and a privilege in Jesus' statement. Just as Jesus had to carry his cross to suffer and die for us, so every disciple of Christ must bear his or her own cross of suffering for Christ and not try to evade it. To suffer for the Christian faith is to share in the work of Jesus Christ. As one Christian hymn states: Lift high the Cross of Christ! Tread where his feet have trod. The Holy Spirit gives us supernatural power, freedom, and grace to live as disciples of Jesus Christ. Do you trust in God who gives us the strength and perseverance we need to follow his will and to embrace our cross each day for Jesus' sake?5 

The Word Among Us Meditation on Matthew 10:24-33 observes that psychologists tell us about three common reactions to a frightening situation. We will (a) choose to face the situation and work through it, (b) shut down and do nothing, or (c) run away from the problem. In other words, fight, freeze, or flee.

 Whenever you find yourself in a fearful situation, try your best to step back, take a few deep breaths, and remember the truths of your faith. Remember Jesus’ cross and resurrection. Remember your Father’s love and protection. Remember that the Holy Spirit lives in you. Remember that you belong to Christ and that he will never abandon you. Remember, remember, remember!6

Friar Jude Winkler shares the generosity of Joseph towards his brothers. A Christian Testament message asserts that opponents may kill the body but we will not be harmed. Friar Jude declares the privilege of sharing a cross with Christ in times of persecution.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces “Barmen Today: A Contemporary Contemplative Declaration” that was developed by several of the Living School students to recognize the importance of this moment in history.

I invite you to join us in standing in unanimity and nonviolent resistance to forces that threaten our common good. With one voice, we speak out against systems of oppression and call forth love, compassion, healing of division, human dignity, and care for creation.7 

The power of fear to put us in fight or flight mode is used by those who oppose the will of God to distract us from remembering with gratitude the Love we experience and continuing to rely on the Spirit in our persecution to bind us to Christ.

References

1	(n.d.). Genesis, chapter 50 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved July 13, 2019, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/genesis/50
2	(n.d.). Psalms, chapter 105 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved July 13, 2019, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/psalms/105
3	(n.d.). Matthew, chapter 10 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved July 13, 2019, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/matthew/10
4	(n.d.). Creighton U Daily Reflections .... Retrieved July 13, 2019, from http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/daily.html
5	(n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved July 13, 2019, from https://dailyscripture.servantsoftheword.org/
6	(n.d.). Saint Henry (Optional Memorial) - Mass Readings and Catholic Daily .... Retrieved July 13, 2019, from https://wau.org/meditations/2019/07/13/
7	(n.d.). Prophets: Part Two: Weekly Summary — Center for Action and .... Retrieved July 13, 2019, from https://cac.org/prophets-part-two-weekly-summary-2019-07-13/