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

📖 Readings: Genesis 41:55–57; 42:5–7a, 17–24a | Psalm 33:2–3, 10–11, 18–19 | Matthew 10:1–7
Theme: “God Prepares the Way Ahead of Us”

👋🏽 Introduction – When the Past Meets the Future

Have you ever experienced a moment when something from your past reappears—but now it looks different?
That’s exactly what’s happening in today’s readings.
Joseph, once betrayed by his brothers, now stands before them as the one with the power to save their lives.
In the Gospel, Jesus sends His disciples out, not with revenge, but with healing and hope.

🌾 1. First Reading – Genesis 41 & 42: Joseph’s Brothers Come to Egypt

Joseph, sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, is now Pharaoh’s trusted official—charged with managing Egypt’s food during famine.

His brothers come for help, unaware they’re standing before the man they betrayed.
Joseph recognizes them—but instead of taking revenge, he weeps in secret.

This is a powerful moment:

  • Joseph sees God’s hand in the long years of pain.

  • He understands that God used his suffering to save others.

  • Healing begins—not just for the land, but for the broken family.

✝️ 2. Gospel – Matthew 10:1–7: Jesus Sends the Twelve

Jesus calls His twelve disciples and gives them authority:

“Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons.”

But then He adds something striking:

“Go first to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”

Just like Joseph’s story, God’s healing begins with home—with the people closest to us, even if they’ve hurt us or misunderstood us.

God doesn’t send us to fix the whole world all at once.
He sends us to our own people first—to be signs of mercy, truth, and peace.

🔗 Bringing the Readings Together

  • Joseph teaches us that forgiveness is stronger than revenge.

  • Jesus reminds us that mission begins with love and healing, not power.

Together, they show that God is always at work behind the scenes, even when we don’t understand the timing.

💬 Quote for Reflection

“Sometimes the people who hurt you the most are the ones God sends you to love the most.”
– Unknown

✅ Life Application

  • Am I willing to let go of past hurts so God can use me for healing?

  • Who are the “lost sheep” in my life—those close to me who need compassion?

  • Do I trust that God is preparing something good, even through painful moments?

🧎🏽‍♂️ Conclusion – From Wounded to Sent

Joseph’s story reminds us: God doesn’t waste pain.
Jesus’ words remind us: We are called to be healing hands in a hurting world.
Let us be brave enough to forgive, gentle enough to heal, and willing enough to go where God sends us—even if it’s back to people who once wounded us.

🙏 Prayer for the New Day

“Lord, Use Me for Healing”

Lord God,
As this new day begins, I carry with me both memories and mission.
Like Joseph, I’ve had moments of pain, rejection, and silence—
but I trust that You are using even those things for good.

Today, give me the grace to let go of bitterness,
and the courage to be part of someone else’s healing.
If You send me to people I once struggled with,
help me go not with revenge, but with Your mercy.

Like the disciples, help me not to fear,
but to bring hope, healing, and peace.

Remind me, Lord:
You are the One who prepares the path—
even when I don’t understand it.

Be with me in every word I speak,
every step I take,
and every person I meet today.

Amen.

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