“Be Glad You Lowly Ones; May Your Hearts Be Glad"

Today's Mass Readings

Two events of significance occur in today’s first reading. First, Jacob forms his twelve sons into the twelve tribes of Israel. And then he dies. Second, Joseph assures his brothers that even as the governor in Egypt he would seek to settle accounts even though their father was now dead. Thus, after providing for the needs of his brothers as a sign of his genuineness, he himself dies. An entire epoch in the history of the people of God has concluded. The story thus far has been an amazing story. It is a story of faith and doubt, sacrifice and selfishness, love and hate, revenge and forgiveness, intrigue and magnanimity all mixed together. In brief, it is the story of the human condition. Into this history God involves himself. His involvement is an act of love, of his providential care and of his goodness. To those who remain faithful to him he leads and guides – sometimes in strange but sure ways.

In some way, we can see each of the elements of this story in our own lives. Our lives too are a mixture of sin and sanctity. But God is with us and among us out of his love and goodness. Our fathers (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) teach us to live life with faith in God. In it is life and in it is salvation. Life was full of twists and turns for them but they trusted enough to know that God was still in lead. Such faith brought out the best in them.

Let the lives of our ancestors in faith be an inspiration and a model for us.