Short Homily – Saturday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time

🕊️ Theme: “Do Not Be Afraid – You Are Worth More”
Readings:

• Genesis 49:29–33; 50:15–26a – Joseph assures his brothers of God’s providence and forgives them

• Psalm 105:1–4, 6–7 – “Seek always the face of the Lord”

• Matthew 10:24–33 – “So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

😂 Introduction – Humour Story

One day I told a group of confirmands, “God has counted every hair on your head!” A bold young boy raised his hand and said, “Father, that’s easy for God when it comes to you—you’re halfway there!” We all laughed—and I reminded him that even half a head of hair is still loved and numbered by God!

📚 Expanded Exegesis of the Readings

🧬 Genesis 49:29–33; 50:15–26a

Joseph’s story closes with one of the most powerful gestures in Scripture: forgiveness in the face of betrayal. His brothers, fearful after Jacob’s death, worry that Joseph might now seek revenge. But instead, Joseph reassures them, saying:

“Even though you meant harm to me, God meant it for good…”

This is more than forgiveness—it’s trust in divine providence. Joseph sees a redemptive arc in his suffering. He embodies hope that even pain can be transformed for God’s purposes.

🕊️ Psalm 105

The psalm is a song of remembrance: it calls Israel to look back on what God has done—His miracles, His covenant, His mercy. It urges us to “seek His face always.” That’s what Joseph did in Egypt. He sought the face of the Lord amid hardship and came out with wisdom, mercy, and peace.

🕊️ Matthew 10:24–33

In the Gospel, Jesus prepares His disciples for hardship and persecution. But three times, He says: “Do not be afraid.”

• Not afraid of those who oppose you.

• Not afraid of being misunderstood.

• Not afraid of suffering.

Because:

“Even the hairs of your head are counted.”
“You are worth more than many sparrows.”

This is not sentimental language—it is divine reassurance. Jesus is not blind to our difficulties. He’s telling us: Be bold. Be faithful. Be fearless.

✝️ Eucharist

At the Eucharist, we are not just fed—we are reminded that we matter deeply to God. Like Joseph’s brothers who feared rejection, we come with sins, regrets, and worries. But Jesus feeds us anyway. Why? Because mercy always wins at this table.❓ Question for Reflection

What am I still afraid of? What fear is holding me back from being the person God created me to be?

🛠️ Daily Practical Application

Today, reach out to someone you’ve avoided. Like Joseph, offer a word of healing, not because they deserve it—but because you’re free. Don’t carry old wounds into a new season.

🌧️ For Those Who Encounter Difficulties

If you’re burdened by your past or anxious about your future, remember Joseph. He was enslaved, falsely accused, forgotten—but never forsaken. Like him, your pain may be part of a bigger purpose. God is writing your story with grace, not grudges.

🎉 What Can I Do During the Jubilee Year?

Live like Joseph and speak like Jesus.

• Forgive.

• Let go of the “what ifs.”

• Encourage someone who feels like they’ve fallen out of God's plan.

Jubilee is about starting again with grace. Be a Jubilee person—a witness of God’s mercy and sovereignty.

🇿🇦 South African Touch – Pilgrims of Hope

In our land where the scars of injustice still run deep, Joseph teaches us something profound: forgiveness can rebuild families, societies, and futures. We are Pilgrims of Hope not because we have no wounds, but because we carry them with purpose.

💬 Inspiration Quote

"God doesn’t waste pain—He redeems it."
Like Joseph, we can say: “God used it for good.”

🙏 Short Prayer

Lord,
When I am tempted to fear, help me trust.
When I want revenge, help me to forgive.
Help me to walk today with courage and grace—like Joseph.
Let me know that I am deeply loved, counted, and never forgotten.
Amen.