Each day, thank God, many people in the world wake up to a good day. Blessed with a healthy body, a family who cares, friends, water, food, clothes, warmth, a safe environment, a job, educational opportunities, travel facilities, entertainment, summer projects, freedom to practice faith and much more as people go about daily life.<\/p>\n
How much of this do people take for granted? Do we appreciate how much God provides in our daily lives? How can we show God and other people our gratitude? Can we use what we have to help those who have less?<\/p>\n
Today\u2019s reading at Mass (Gen 44:18-21, 23-29) continues the story of Joseph and God\u2019s people hear how Joseph reveals himself to his brothers and forgives them. This is a heart-moving story. One of the brothers pleaded with Joseph on behalf of his brothers and his father. He explained to Joseph why he could not bring the down the youngest brother to Egypt. They knew that by bringing down the youngest son the father would be so distressed, if anything happened to him.<\/p>\n
When Joseph heard this, he could no longer control his feelings. He told all those who were gathered to go away and he remained with his brothers. He revealed himself to them and asked \u2018Is my father still alive?\u2019 Then he cried aloud saying, \u2018I am Joseph your brother, yes, it\u2019s me, the one you sold to the Egyptians.\u2019 He told them not to grieve or reproach themselves for what they had done. He assured them that God had sent him to save their lives. Joseph was ready to forgive his brothers by God\u2019s grace.<\/p>\n
Moving on to Psalm104, with the assembly responding \u2018Remember the wonders the Lord has done\u2019\u00a0 echoes the goodness of Joseph in looking after his family and forgiving his brothers. When one\u2019s focus is on God\u2019s goodness and generosity, self-reliance does not come into play. God\u2019s people depend on God\u2019s Providence.<\/p>\n
Jesus in the Gospel (Mt 10:7-15), instructed the disciples to \u2018cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, and cast out devils.\u2019 \u00a0He instructed them to give without charge as they received without charge. He continued to tell them how they should approach their work in the freedom of God, what they should wear and take with them on their journey. Jesus\u2019s instructions hold firm for discipleship today as they strive to build up the kingdom of God in daily life.<\/p>\n
So today, the Good News is that we can rely on God\u2019s Providence to take care of us. We also can answer Jesus\u2019 call to build up God\u2019s Kingdom and be grateful that we received without charge and that we can give without charge. Disciples depend on God and trust that God will provide in all circumstances.<\/p>\n
The Grow in Love\/ I nGr\u00e1 D\u00e9<\/em> religious education programme offers many of the healing miracles of Jesus and the teachings of Jesus on proclaiming the kingdom. In the parables, Jesus explains what the Kingdom of God is like. Access to the parables and miracles is available in the Children\u2019s Grow in<\/em> Love\/ I nGr\u00e1 D\u00e9 <\/em>textbook and\/or e-book on the Grow in Love website.<\/p>\n