This week Fr. Fred’s and Fr. Charlie’s homilies connected for me as I read and prayed over today’s readings. Fr. Fred spoke about our baptismal call to be build up the Kingdom of God, each in our own way as missionaries of Jesus.
Yesterday, Fr. Charlie spoke of the work of God in a family that was ruptured by jealousy but reconnected in a time of adversity, when Joseph’s brothers unknowingly stood before him.
Father Peyton no doubt knew many stories of families that were going through challenging times and would have encouraged them to pray together for God’s assistance. I am sure that he would have spoken about how the grace of God is at work even before we recognize it as was in the case of Joseph and his brothers.
Healing a Family
As we heard yesterday and today, Joseph is powerfully moved to hear the retelling of how his brothers sold him into slavery and how his father mourns his loss and how loudly Joseph sobbed. This powerful man many years removed from that fateful day has this deep wound revealed.
He’s no longer the second in command of Pharoah but in that moment first and foremost, a son and brother, who deeply longs for unity in his family. It is at this point, that his words reflect what his heart desires when he says to his brothers, “Come closer to me” and then “I am your brother, Joseph.”
Trusting God's Will
He then reassures them, “…do not be distressed and do not reproach yourselves for having sold me here.” Those of us who have been in a difficult family situation might wonder how did Joseph find the ability to reach this point of forgiveness. The answer was his belief in God’s Providence… that it was God’s plan to send Joseph to Egypt for the sake of saving lives, including those of his family.
Peace in Our Own Families
Today, when we think about our families, whether immediate or extended, there most likely is some relationship or relationships that need healing. So, we pray at this Mass, for people to reconcile, or at least begin the process.
My brothers and sisters, there is something in this story of Joseph for each of us, whether we see ourselves as the one with regret for what we have done or perhaps the one who can emulate Joseph in his faith and charity…today’s Word of God is a powerful encouragement to place our trust in God for healing in our families, even when don’t know it all will work out, it is a light in the darkness that allows us to dare to believe that with God all things are possible; including finding peace through forgiveness and faith.
- Father David's inspirational homily was recorded live during Mass at the Father Peyton Center this morning. You can view the Mass (and the Rosary at the 30-minute mark) on the Family Rosary YouTube page.
- To join the Rosary and Mass Livestream, visit the Family Rosary YouTube or Facebook page at 11:30 a.m. Eastern, Monday–Friday. Consider inviting others to join, too! (*If you are not a member of Facebook and a signup window appears, select the X at the top of the pop-up message and continue to the livestream.)
