Wednesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
We’ve all heard the saying, “what goes around, comes around!” What a powerful example we have of that in today’s readings. The brothers of Joseph had thrown him into an empty cistern and then sold him into Egyptian slavery. Now they come starving to Egypt and had to bow down and beg in front of their unknown brother. Thankfully the story goes on to reveal deep human dynamics of bonding, regret, fear, sorrow, parental love, and finally brotherly love. This story is a wonderful template to lay next to our own personal experiences of family dynamics, or personal relationships when the tables are turned.
The Gospel also gives us pause for thought. We can wonder about the former lives of the apostles. Each one of them, like us, had a story. How did they end up doing what they were doing when they met Jesus? Human nature has not changed through time, and all of us come to those special moments of asking about our own identity. Who am I? Why am I? What is my legacy or contribution to my world during the long or short span of my years? These are the questions well-hidden when someone calls us by name.
The Gospel writer makes the point that Jesus clearly chose his disciples by name. Only He and each chosen disciple knew the full story behind each call. Jesus gave them the commission to speak about the Good News and be shepherds first of all to what he called the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Was this a way for Jesus to urge each disciple to use their own story to show the magnificent mercy and goodness of God?
Reflection: Are we willing, when the circumstances are appropriate, to share our story of how the Lord has led me with His abiding and guiding love?
Reflection by Fr. Daniel Petsche, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections