July 14, 2025 Monday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Daily Readings: Exodus 1:8–14, 22; Matthew 10:34–11:1
There is a total turn-around in the life story of the people of Israel after Joseph dies. The new Pharaoh, unaware of Joseph’s legacy, becomes fearful of the Israelites. His fear intensifies, and insecurity takes deep root. He instructs the Egyptians to treat the Israelites shrewdly, increasing their workload and appointing taskmasters to oppress them with forced labour. This is how the Israelites came to build supply cities such as Pithom and Rameses.
Where is God in this suffering? Scripture declares: “The more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread” (v. 12). The Egyptians begin to dread the Israelites. In response, Pharaoh commands the killing of all newborn Hebrew boys—a brutal act bordering on genocide. Yet, despite the cruelty, the Israelites remain resilient. Their strength is drawnfrom their enduring faith in God.
In the Gospel, Jesus continues to prepare His disciples for the reality of mission. Believing in Him requires embracing values that may even clash with family expectations. That’s why Jesus says He has not come to bring peace, but a sword. Loyalty to Him must surpass all other attachments. Discipleship demands openness and universality. Welcoming apostles, prophets, and righteous persons is, in fact, welcoming Jesus Himself. True hospitality and kindness will always receive divine reward.
At its core, following Jesus means embracing the Cross. The Cross stands as a symbol of sacrifice, love, and discipleship. A true follower of Christ must be willing to deny self, bear the Cross, and walk the path of sacrificial love—without fear and with deep conviction.
Call to Action: Suffering has its value. It teaches us to rely on God—if only we recognize that God may have a plan for us. Am I open to God’s will?
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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