Friday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Today's Mass Readings

“People on the move” might be a possible theme for the two readings of today’s liturgy. Social anthropologists have documented the migration of peoples around the world throughout history but surely the most important from our perspective is the Old Testament migration of God’s people to and from Egypt. The powerful Joseph story reaches its conclusion with the entire clan of his father Jacob, now called Israel, accepting the invitation to settle in Egypt. No one at that time could have had the slightest idea that in the midst of attempted genocide the people’s eventual escape and exodus from Egypt would be a defining event for them. The Exodus became part of their national identity. Ironically in time of mortal danger, Joseph the foster father of Jesus took the newborn Child and mother to Egypt for safety.

Just as movement was necessary for the religious survival of the Old Testament people so also the Gospel Good News was meant to be announced on the road. The message of the Gospel was carried on the roads and promoted by word of mouth and was often rejected as subversive and destructive of the ancient law. Jesus was very clear that he was sending His messengers into the threat of danger, violence, and possible death. Courageous and persistent movement was the principal way of dealing with hostility and rejection. But there was a different energy resource at work that supported the disciples in their dangerous travels. It was the power of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God was the gift Jesus promised them at times of danger and weakness, but also in times of critical growth even in the midst of division. Still today this promise of the Spirit is our ongoing motivation and security for all of us “on the road.”

Reflection: Do you sometimes find yourself on a spiritual detour? Do you rely on the Holy Spirit as your compass?

Reflection by Fr. Daniel Petsche, OSB