Homily – Friday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time (Cycle II)

📖 Readings: Genesis 46:1–7, 28–30 | Psalm 37 | John 16:13a, 14:26d (Alleluia) | Matthew 10:16–23
Theme: “Do Not Be Afraid to Trust the Journey”

👋🏽 Introduction – When the Road Ahead Is Uncertain

There are moments when we’re called to take bold steps in faith—even when we don’t know what awaits us. That’s the kind of trust we find in today’s readings, both in Jacob’s journey and in Jesus’ mission instructions.

🧳 1. First Reading – Genesis 46:1–7, 28–30: Jacob Goes to Egypt

Jacob (also called Israel) is told by his sons that Joseph—his long-lost child—is alive in Egypt. Now, in his old age, Jacob must leave the land of promise and travel to a foreign land.

God meets him in a vision:

“Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt… I will go down with you… and I will bring you back.”

What a profound promise:
Even when we leave behind familiar ground, God is already ahead of us, and He travels with us.

When Jacob and Joseph finally meet, the reunion is deeply moving:

“Now let me die, since I have seen your face and know that you are still alive.”

God’s providence often takes time—but it is always faithful.

✝️ 2. Gospel – Matthew 10:16–23: Wise and Innocent in the Mission Field

Jesus tells His disciples:

“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves.”

That’s not exactly a comforting mission.
Yet, He instructs them to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.
He does not promise ease—but He promises presence:

“The Spirit of your Father will speak through you.”

And He assures us that our trials are not signs of defeat but moments of testimony.

Like Jacob, the disciples are being asked to trust God on a path they cannot fully see.

🎚️ Connecting the Memorial of Saint Benedict

Saint Benedict, whose memorial we celebrate today, also trusted God’s guidance in uncertain times.
He left behind wealth and privilege and sought God in silence, community, prayer, and work.

His rule, Ora et Labora (“Pray and Work”), teaches that holiness is not found in control, but in daily faithfulness and obedience—even in the unknown.

🔗 Common Thread in the Readings

• Jacob had to leave what was familiar—guided only by God’s voice.

• The disciples were sent into danger—armed only with trust and the Spirit.

• Saint Benedict embraced the unknown to seek Christ above all.

In every case, God says:

“Do not be afraid—I am with you.”

💬 Quote for Reflection

“Wherever you go, go with God. And if God doesn’t go, don’t go.”
– Inspired by St. Benedict’s sense of obedience to God’s will

✅ Life Application

• Am I holding back from something God is calling me to?

• How do I handle uncertainty—in fear or in faith?

• Do I let the Spirit speak through me in difficult moments?

🔚 Conclusion – The Journey Is Holy Because God Walks With Us

Today’s message is not that life will be easy.
It’s that God is trustworthy.

Whether we’re like Jacob facing a big move, like the disciples walking into danger, or like Benedict stepping into a new rule of life—God’s Spirit is always ahead of us.

Let’s go where He leads, knowing He walks every step beside us.

🙏 Prayer for the New Day

“Lord, Go With Me Today”

Lord my God,
I stand at the start of this new day, not knowing what it will bring.
But I believe what You said to Jacob:

“Do not be afraid—I will go with you.”

Like Jacob, give me the courage to leave what is comfortable,
and the trust to walk forward in faith.

Like the disciples, give me the wisdom to act with prudence,
and the gentleness to reflect Your peace.

Let Your Spirit speak through me, especially in moments of conflict, fear, or rejection.

Today, may I not seek success or applause—
but faithfulness in every small thing.

Saint Benedict, pray for me,
that I may live this day in balance, humility, and joyful service.
And above all, let me prefer nothing to the love of Christ.

Amen.