There are many families experiencing rivalry among siblings. They fight among themselves because of inheritance, jealousy, and pride. These days when conflict continues to affect everyone in the family, disunity and division prevails over harmony. The common belief is gone like “blood is thicker than water.” It seems that blood relationship doesn’t matter anymore; it is survival. It is a sad reality but true. Let us pray for our family, especially the broken and dysfunctional families.
What has been happening today affecting families is exactly what we heard in today’s reading from the Book of Genesis 44:18-29, 45:1-5. Joseph’s story in Genesis is a classic example of how his siblings sold him as a slave to Egypt. He lived in Egypt until he helped the Pharaoh interpret his dream, and he was rewarded and became a governor. When famine struck Egypt and other neighboring places, Joseph took charge of the grain distribution, and when giving the rations to poor people, he was able to recognize his other brothers. Despite what they did to him and after seeing them, he turned away from them and he wept. Joseph was moved with pity towards them and helped them without rancor in his heart. Joseph became grateful and faithful to God, and he became a mirror of God’s justice and compassion.
The gospel spoke to us about the reality of Jesus calling his 12 Apostles to represent the 12 tribes of Israel. We know that Jesus came for the “lost sheep of Israel,” which is the main reason why He came. Because of their rowdy attitude, He called upon them for renewal and for them to be able to return to God. The apostles were a mix of people with flaws and weaknesses, yet they were called to a certain mission and to be transformed.
Maybe we are anxious about why Jesus prevented the apostles from going to pagan and Samaritan territories. This is not about discrimination, but Jesus’ primary mission is to bring the chosen people, the Israelites, back to God. After Pentecost, all the Apostles had been working hard to extend their dedication to bring Jesus to the Gentiles and to the whole world.
We are reminded that the “Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” This is the same concept of St. Mark when he wrote, “the Kingdom of God” where Jesus is the King to whom we need to abide, to submit and to follow. However, this kingdom is not a place but rather exists in our hearts.
The Kingdom of God is here now when we become agents of God’s mercy and forgiveness of others, especially our own family. Through Jesus’ humility and love, He restores the fallen world.
May God bless your families.
Fr. Arlon, osa
