St Margaret Roman Catholic Church

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Saint Henry (Optional Memorial)

Do not be afraid. (Matthew 10:26)

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.

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus tells his disciples three times, “Do not be afraid.” Each time, he addresses the fears that could cause them to give up as they embark on their first preaching mission. First, he tells them to be persistent in announcing the “secret” of the kingdom despite opposition (Matthew 10:26). Then he reassures them that his Father is the One with ultimate power, so they shouldn’t worry about detractors (10:28). Then he tells them that his Father knows every intimate detail of their lives and that he’ll never abandon them (10:29-31).

Jesus isn’t just comforting his disciples here. He’s giving them truths that they can fall back on whenever fear rises up and tries to convince them to give up on their mission. He’s filling their memories with foundational truths about who he is and how much his Father cares for them—truths that they can use as weapons to defend themselves and as engines to propel them forward in faith.

We have all encountered fears that have threatened to paralyze us or tempted us to run and hide. Fear is a normal part of our lives, and there are times when it’s a healthy emotional reaction. But we should never let fear keep us from moving forward with the Lord.

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!

As you practice this holy remembering, you’ll feel the Lord standing right beside you. You’ll find the courage to fight your fears and to take the next step forward, whatever your situation. God doesn’t want you to be afraid. He wants you to find all your confidence in him.

“Jesus, help me to hold on to my faith when I am afraid. Lord, I trust in your unending love!”

Genesis 49:29-32; 50:15-26
Psalm 105:1-4, 6-7

14th Week in Ordinary Time

I am God. . . . Do not be afraid. (Genesis 46:3)

We don’t know exactly why Jacob felt afraid to move his family to Egypt when his son, Joseph, invited him. But a little digging and research can help us make a few educated guesses.

To any Israelite living in the land of Canaan, Egyptian ways of life would seem strange and different. The men were clean shaven, unlike the Israelites. They worshipped the sun god, Ra, along with a whole host of other deities. What’s more, Jacob’s children and grandchildren were shepherds, but there was limited pastureland in Egypt. So Jacob was probably concerned about their livelihood. Jacob might also have feared that his children would lose their identity and turn away from the God of their fathers.

Not to mention, migrating to Egypt meant living and dying in a foreign land, and it was Jacob’s deepest desire to be buried in the same cave where his grandfather, Abraham, and father, Isaac, were buried. That burial place represented his beloved family, the land that God had given them, and all of God’s future promises. No wonder he didn’t want to leave!

Given all these uncertainties, it was merciful of God to reassure Jacob that he would still grant his heart’s desires. God promised to go with him into the new land and to bring him back to be buried in his home. Such promises meant a great deal to Jacob.

What situations cause you uncertainty or anxiety? Like Jacob and his descendants, you might right now be facing painful partings, job changes, or opportunities that stretch you. Particularly when family traditions, values, and relationships are in a state of upheaval, fear can creep in. The next time fears about the future, big or small, start nagging you, try to remember what God told Jacob: “I am God. . . . Do not be afraid” (Genesis 46:3).

God had a plan to fulfill Jacob’s deepest hopes—and he already knows what is most important to you. He is your mighty God. And that is a great reason to feel encouraged. God is faithful to his faithful ones. With him by your side, you can meet the future with courage as Jacob did.

“Father, I will trust in you. I will not be afraid.”

Psalm 37:3-4, 18-19, 27-28, 39-40
Matthew 10:16-23

Saint Benedict, Abbot (Memorial)

Do not reproach yourselves. (Genesis 45:5)

There you have it: one act of forgiveness that changed the entire course of history. During Joseph’s rule as governor of Egypt, widespread famine threatened the entire Middle East—including his own family back in Canaan. Joseph was wise enough to have the Egyptians store up food reserves during years of plenty so that the people would be able to weather the lean years. But what about Jacob and his clan? They risked starving to death. So Jacob, unaware that Joseph was in charge, sent his sons to Egypt to beg for help.

Imagine what could have happened if Joseph had refused to give his brothers food. He certainly had reason to hold back. They had sold him as a slave, and he spent thirteen years in an Egyptian prison before his fortunes turned around. Joseph could have stewed over his unjust situation and spent the years contemplating his revenge. By the time his brothers came seeking food, he was second only to Pharaoh; he could have had them arrested on the spot.

But Joseph chose mercy instead, and the results were amazing. Not only did he save his brothers from starving, but he also paved the way for God to bring peace and healing to a family that had been scarred by rivalry, deception, and division.

Because of Joseph’s forgiveness, Jacob and his descendants could once more become God’s chosen, special people. It was their descendants whom God saved from slavery through awesome signs and wonders. Kings like David and Solomon came from their line, as did prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah. Then, centuries later, Jesus, the Messiah and Savior, was born into their family. All because Joseph chose mercy.

If God accomplished all this through Joseph’s forgiveness, imagine what he can do when we choose to forgive. He can heal marriages and reunite families. He can reconcile enemies and overcome age-old patterns of sin. He can even bring peace to neighborhoods and nations!

Let’s ask God for the grace to be merciful. Let’s ask him to help us break the cycle of revenge. Let’s echo Jesus’ words from the cross: “Father, forgive them,” and watch to see how history changes (Luke 23:34).

“Jesus, help me to let go of my hurts. I choose to forgive.”

Psalm 105:16-21
Matthew 10:7-15