July 13, 2023, Thursday of the 14th Week of Ordinary Time-A
Genesis 44:18-21, 23-29; 45:1-5
Psalm 105
Matthew 10:7-15
Joseph said to his brothers, “Come closer to me…” Genesis 44:4
“As you go, make this proclamation ‘the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 10:7
Lord, have there been any greater news than your kingdom is now here? The world has waited for these words since Adam and Eve. We are saved! We live life in abundant grace. Our sins are forgiven, and a glorious future awaits us. After being left for dead and sold as a slave, Joseph forgave the lying and treachery of his brothers and offered them a new beginning. After your suffering and death for my sins you have opened the gates of heaven for me and there can’t be anything better than that. Joseph reconciled his family, and you offered the same to the family of mankind. Your disciples’ message of hope, joy and freedom is received by some and rejected by others. We hear that same message two thousand years later. I come to you, dear Jesus, with heart-felt gratitude for your merciful forgiveness. As I am set free from the weight of guilt, I can begin to experience heaven on earth. I accept the invitation to come closer to you every day I live in your kingdom and to invite those I meet to follow you. Amen.