Knew Nothing

Greetings on this the Monday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Ex 1:8-14, 22; PS 124:1b-3, 4-6, 7-8; Mt 10:34—11:1
Notes: Back from Youth Retreat. Shared some photos and some teen witnesses in another post.

Yes, I am disappointed nobody took up writing the reflection these past three days. Boo!

Actually, I rely on the fact that there is a semi-permanent nature to the blog and people can access what they want when they want. Liberating for me and you!

You don’t need to ‘Like’ if you aren’t reading.
I’d rather see zero likes than acknowledge likes.

First reading
A new king, who knew nothing of Joseph, came to power in Egypt.

Sometimes we don’t know something because we simply just don’t know.

Other times we just don’t want to know. We just don’t care. The people in question become tools of power not friends any longer.

The new Pharaoh, of the Hyksos line, was not technically Egyptian. They were very pensive in their rule as they were usurpers and not held in full esteem by the people.

The Hebrews were a risk to them as friends but an asset to them as slaves.

This is the key thing to look for when evaluating relationships.

In either direction:

• (you to me) Am I an asset to be used or a friend to be encountered?
• (me to you) Am I treating you as an asset to be used or a friend to be encountered?

It can get this bad when people are objectified (mere assets):
The Egyptians, then, dreaded the children of Israel and reduced them to cruel slavery, making life bitter for them with hard work in mortar and brick and all kinds of field work—the whole cruel fate of slaves.

Responsorial Psalm
Our help is in the name of the Lord.

Our help is in the name of the LORD,
who made heaven and earth.

Alleluia Verse
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.

Gospel Portion

Our local bishop ordained me.

His final blessing often includes this exchange with the flock:

“Blessed be the Lord“.
We reply: “Now and forever“.
“Our Hope is in the Lord“.
We reply: “Who made Heaven and Earth“.

It is a wonderful reminder of the ever presence of the Lord and His constant care for us.
It always warms my hear to read and say it.

In today’s gospel portion…
Sometimes His care must be surgical in nature. Cutting out the unhealthy and bringing about healing and reconciliation.

Jesus said to his Apostles:
“Do not think that I have come to bring peace upon the earth.
I have come to bring not peace but the sword.

The sword of a surgeon not a military sword.

He wants us to refactor our relationships.
He wants us to evaluate our value system and reward motivations.

And he tries to align our thoughts to the higher horizons:

And whoever gives only a cup of cold water
to one of these little ones to drink
because he is a disciple – amen, I say to you, he will surely not lose his reward.”

In the end, it is better to be friends to everyone.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry