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Reflection on the Gospel – Friday, July 11, 2025
Dear friend,
We continue with the story of Joseph, who not only forgives his brothers but also asks them to bring their father to Egypt. This scene is very moving: Jacob, with his sons, grandchildren, and all his belongings, moves to Egypt. This moment marks the beginning of the chosen people’s stay in foreign lands, a story that will have its epic return centuries later, when Moses leads them in the famous Exodus to the promised land.
The most amazing thing is that God, in His message of encouragement to the old Jacob, already promises him the return: “Do not be afraid to go to Egypt, for there I will make you into a great nation; I myself will go down with you and will also bring you up again.” It is impossible not to be moved by the reunion between Jacob and his son Joseph after so many years thinking he was lost forever. What a powerful and hopeful moment! May we have the same certainty, like Jacob and Joseph, that God is always with us, even when we are “lost” in “foreign lands.”
In this same line, Jesus reminds us in the Gospel that we will face difficulties: “You will be handed over to the courts, beaten in the synagogues, and brought before governors and kings because of me.” But He assures us we will never be alone in these hard times because the Holy Spirit, the “Parakletos” (which means “one who is by our side”), will always help us with His presence and strength.
This is how Saint Benedict, founder of the Benedictines and patriarch of western monks, whom we celebrate today as the patron of Europe, felt. May he pray for all of us.
Your brother in faith,