Newton Basumatari csc –
Readings: Gen 46:1-7, 28-30; Mt 10:16-23
The first reading presents the event of Jacob going down to Egypt. Like the disciples of the Jesus, he also left everything and moved out from his homeland responding to the promptings of God. Jacob believed in God’s promise. “I myself will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also bring you up again”.
The Lord who promised his guiding presence accompanied Jacob and family and brought them back to their homeland in the course of time.
Though God was present among them they had to endure suffering and miseries. However, the Lord never abandoned them. In the gospel Jesus warns the disciples of persecutions. As he warned them, he counseled them on how to deal with them.
Being commissioned by Jesus assures persecution. The world will oppose any lifestyle that demands total self-denial. However, we need to remember that sanctification and fullness of life are waiting for the people who endure.