Counter cultural inputs call us to life

Social and religious structures reject change

Called to anoint the other

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.

Travel and trust in the Spirit

Forgive and give peace

Mercy and more mercy

The texts today from the Roman Catholic lectionary bring to mind an expression from childhood which was spoken when there was an incident or a mess to be dealt with. “Mercy,mercy” may be an acclamation of surprise or it may be a prayer for assistance from God in acting in response to the incident. The Book of Genesis today is setting up the incident to which Joseph will respond as he reacts to the presence of brothers who had betrayed him. The psalmist praises God as the One who is faithful to our trust in His mercy. The Gospel from Matthew presents the list of the Twelve Apostles who are being sent to be agents of the mercy of God to the twelve tribes of Israel. Friar Jude Winkler comments on the how our expectation of punishment for those who wrong us, brothers who betray or people who reject the Messiah are reversed as the ones with whom we might be angry become the subjects of efforts to bring healing and mercy to the situations. Bayu Risanto S.J. cites Pope Francis declaration of mercy as a criterion for ascertaining those who are living as children of God.