Daily Catholic Lectio. Sat, 12 July ’25. A Message of Hope

Daily Catholic Lectio

Sat, 12 July ‘25

Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time – Saturday

Genesis 49:29–32; 50:15–26. Matthew 10:24–33

A Message of Hope

The Word of God today brings us comfort and courage—especially for those moments in life when we feel uncertain, afraid, or alone. It reminds us that God is not far off. God is coming to meet us—always with compassion.

1. The End Is Not the End

The Book of Genesis ends today with moving words from Joseph, the governor of Egypt and faithful servant of God. As he prepares for death, he tells his brothers: “God will surely come to meet you with kindness.”

These are not the words of fear or regret. They are words of hope. They are words spoken by someone who trusted that even in death, God is not finished. In today’s first reading, we hear of both Jacob’s death and later, Joseph’s death. And yet, both of them leave behind not sorrow, but a message of forward-looking faith.

What do we learn? First, death comes to everyone. Even great ones—Jacob the father of Israel, and Joseph, the ruler of Egypt—die. Second, life continues through others. Their legacy, faith, and vision live on in their children and their community. Third, even in foreign lands, we can live like sons and daughters of God. Though Joseph lived in Egypt, he walked with God. Though his brothers lived in the same place, they still felt like slaves.

2. Jesus Calls Us to Trust, Not Fear

In the Gospel, Jesus prepares His disciples for the suffering they will face as His messengers. He says: “A disciple is not above the teacher… If they called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household!” In other words, if Jesus was persecuted, His disciples will be too. But then He gives a clear instruction:

“Do not be afraid.” Why? Because: People may harm the body, but they cannot touch the soul.

God sees even the sparrows fall—and we are worth much more than sparrows. God is with us. Always. This is the same truth Joseph believed. He was not afraid of what was to come. He had expectation—a deep hope that God would visit His people. And not in judgment, but with compassion.

3. The Oil That Keeps Hope Burning

Joseph didn’t just carry hope in his heart. He passed it on to his brothers. He gave them a promise of the future:

“God will surely visit you.” This is the oil that keeps the lamp of life burning—hope born out of love.

Our lives do not end in a tomb. They end when hope is lost. As long as hope remains, we are alive in the deepest sense. And Jesus says clearly: “Fear not.” Fear is the enemy of hope. It tells us that we are alone. It lies to us, saying that we have no future.

But today, the voice of Jesus says: “You are worth more than many sparrows.” He sees you. He walks with you. He is coming to meet you.

4. The Courage to Wait in Faith

Like Joseph, we are invited to live with a forward gaze. Even if we live in situations that feel foreign, broken, or dark—we are not abandoned.

Joseph trusted that God would come. Jesus tells His disciples not to fear, even in persecution.

We are told the same: live in hope, walk in faith, and trust that God will meet us—in His time, with His mercy.

Final Reflection

The Christian life is a journey of expectant hope. Let us: Not let fear take over our hearts. Not let suffering silence our hope. Not let death define our end.

Let Joseph’s words become our own: “God will surely come to meet you—with compassion.”

Let that truth carry us through every valley, every loss, and every uncertainty. Because when God comes to meet us, it is not with anger—but with arms open wide.

Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi

Archdiocese of Madurai

Missionary of Mercy