July 09, 2025 Wednesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Daily Readings: Genesis 41:55–57; 42:5–7a, 17–24a; Matthew 10:1–7
What happens when a person is prejudiced against another? How far will they go to destroy that person? The answers are found in the story of Jacob’s sons. Joseph, the beloved son of Jacob, was despised, mistreated, and sold into slavery by his own brothers (except Benjamin). Ironically, he later becomes their savior during a severe famine that strikes Egypt and its neighboring lands. Though his brothers fail to recognize him, Joseph—free of malice—knows exactly who they are. Their guilt and hardened hearts have clouded their vision.
As foretold in Joseph’s divinely inspired dream, they bow before him, unknowingly fulfilling what once aroused their jealousy. His deep longing to see his youngest brother, Benjamin, prompts him to test them with a clever plan: one brother remains in prison while the others are sent to bring Benjamin. This encounter awakens their consciences. They begin to blame one another, and Reuben, the eldest, reminds them of his earlier warning yet they had refused to listen.
As readers, we see how God can permit evil for a time to ultimately reveal His power and justice. The brothers become a mirror for us—a reminder of what unchecked jealousy and hatred can lead to. Their story teaches us to choose differently.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus calls the Twelve and shares with them His authority to preach the Good News, heal the sick, and cast out unclean spirits. Through this, He makes clear that we are partners in His mission. We are capable of doing what Jesus did—if we are willing to walk the path He walked on.
Looking at the list of the Twelve, we see that God delights in diversity. Among them are fishermen, a tax collector, and a zealot—men of different backgrounds and temperaments. Jesus trusted them, and He continues to trust the chosen men and women today. Before sending them out on their first missionary journey, Jesus gives a clear instruction: they are to goonly to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, avoiding the Gentile and Samaritan areas.
The evangelist Matthew likely adapted this instruction to reflect the concerns of his own community. Still, it underscores Jesus’ focused mission to restore God’s people before the message was to reach all nations.
Memorial: Saints Augustine Zhao and Companions
Call to Action: Those who are called and feel convinced of God’s call to serve Him and His people must be honest and transparent. Are we ready for the challenge?
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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