Dearest Goddaughter (LTR-1)

Dearest Goddaughter,

In today's first reading, we continue to follow the story of Joseph, who was a beloved son of Jacob. Joseph was sold into Egypt by his brothers because they were jealous of the affection that their father was showing Joseph. What his brothers did was an evil act, a sinful one; however, Joseph - after wrestling with himself - found it in his heart to forgive his brothers.

Not only did he forgive his brothers, Joseph became a witness of God's love and mercy, saying: "I am your brother Joseph, whom you once sold into Egypt. But now do not be distressed, and do not reproach yourselves for having sold me here." He encouraged his brothers to forgive themselves for their heinous act against him. We are reminded of forgiveness every time we pray the "Our Father" - ". . .forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. . ." Joseph also realized that God took what was an evil act and brought about good, just listen to what he had to say: "It was really for the sake of saving lives that God sent me here ahead of you."

While we should never do evil (as Saint Paul tells us), when we trust in God and have faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, we come to know in our hearts that God can take the bad things of this world and bring about good out of them for His glory. That is our hope as Christians - that God is our loving Father in heaven. This is the message of the "kingdom of heaven" that Christ sent the apostles (and us) to go forth and proclaim in our world.

So let us do our part in building up the kingdom of heaven on earth but let us never be discourage if others do not listen to us and come and follow Christ. That is up to the movement of the Holy Spirit in their hearts. For our part, "[whoever] will not receive you or listen to your words - go outside that house or town and shake the dust from your feet." We have done our part when we share that gift of faith with them. They must be ready to open their hearts to receive the gift of faith. It is as Saint Thomas Aquinas once said: "To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible."

Therefore, dearest goddaughter, stay close to Christ and trust Him, rest in his Sacred Heart, learn from him, do good, proclaim the Gospel with a humble heart, and let Jesus inspire everything that you do in your life. God loves you so much. We love you so much.

Love,

Bỏ Phúc

P.S. These are the readings for the day: Genesis 44:18-21, 23b-29; 45:1-5 and Matthew 10:7-15