“Trust in the LORD and Do Good"

Today's Mass Readings

Jacob’s trust in God and God’s care for Jacob are both showcased in today’s first reading (Gen 46:1-7, 28-30). As Israel (formerly Jacob) sets out for Egypt, he offered a sacrifice to his God. God in return appears to Israel in a dream and assured him that He would be with him. The promise of Israel a great nation is repeated again. God promises that God himself would go with him. A similar mood is set in the gospel reading. The disciples are setting out on the mission that Jesus has entrusted to them. He sent them out like "sheep among wolves." Jesus’ advise to them? – “Do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say.” In other words, Jesus advises the disciples in the same way and with the same sentiments that God advised Joseph: “For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” Thus both Jacob and the disciples are promised God’s presence if only they will trust in God.

The Psalmist in today’s Psalm response expresses this rather well. Let us make this Psalm our response to God’s word.

Trust in the LORD and do good,
that you may dwell in the land and be fed in security.
Take delight in the LORD,
and he will grant you your heart’s requests.

The LORD watches over the lives of the wholehearted;
their inheritance lasts forever.
They are not put to shame in an evil time;
in days of famine they have plenty.

Turn from evil and do good,
that you may abide forever;
For the LORD loves what is right,

The salvation of the just is from the LORD;
he is their refuge in time of distress.
And the LORD helps them and delivers them;
he delivers them from the wicked and saves them,
because they take refuge in him.