Gn. 49:29-32; 50:15-26a | Ps. 105:1-4, 6-7 | Mt. 10:24-33
The reading from Genesis tells about Israel’s death. Before he dies, Jacob asks Israel that he be buried in the cave in the field of Mambree which Abraham purchased for the burial of Sarah. There, Abraham, Isaac and Rebecca are buried. Family/Tribe burial places go back to this time in history.
Jesus continues to teach the disciples. The disciple is to become like the Teacher. This includes persecution as well as honor. Jesus tells the disciples to not be afraid. He reminds us that nothing that we say or do, in secret or in public, will be revealed. God knows all and takes care of us despite anything we can think or imagine. Jesus reminds us that God takes care of the birds, the animals, and will not leave us to fend for ourselves. God has counted the hairs of our head; so, will God abandon us?
What a wonderful gift?! To realize that God knows us, knows where we are, what we do, what our desires are is a great gift. If God cares for all the birds and animals, will God not take care of us? Pause and reflect on this. Allow this love of God to penetrate your very being. Give thanks to God for this great gift.