Thursday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
(Genesis 44:18-21.23b-29.45:1-5; Matthew 10:7-15)
In the Our Father one makes a hefty promise. Praying, “Forgive us our sins as we forgive
those who sin against us,” commits the person to forgive when she or he has been
offended. When one is injured or has his or her heart broken, forgiveness is as
difficult as donating a kidney. Nevertheless,
Joseph is able to forgive his offenders without even knowing the Lord’s Prayer.
Joseph shows great faith as he not only forgives, but also
finds the Lord’s hand in his trials. For
his belief, he is twice blessed. Not
only has he thrived in Egypt, but he will see his beloved father and brother
again. Under the tutelage of the Spirit,
Joseph understands his receiving God’s favor as an opportunity to help others.
We may pray the Our Father ten times a day without taking
the words to heart. When we live out those words, however, we will not be
disillusioned. God will bless us like
Joseph and give us opportunities to help others.
