Today’s readings invite us to meditate on two key themes in Catholic life: God’s providence and the missionary identity of every Christian. Together, they form a powerful picture of what it means to live with trust in God and to live as a disciple in the world.

In the first reading, Joseph reveals himself to his brothers in one of the most moving scenes of the Old Testament. Years earlier, they sold him into slavery out of jealousy and spite. He was dragged from his home, falsely accused in Egypt, and imprisoned. Now, through a series of events guided quietly by God, Joseph is second in command of all Egypt. And when he finally reveals himself, he doesn’t say, “Look what you’ve done to me.” Instead, he says:

“Do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life.” (Gen 45:5, ESV-CE)

This is not naïve optimism—it’s deep theological wisdom. Joseph recognises the reality of sin, but sees beyond it. He sees the hand of divine providence, gently turning even betrayal and suffering into instruments of grace. As the Catechism teaches:

“God is in no way, directly or indirectly, the cause of moral evil… But He permits it because He respects the freedom of His creatures and, mysteriously, knows how to derive good from it.” (CCC 311)

This is not just a message from ancient Egypt—it’s a message for our own hearts. All of us carry wounds. Some of them were caused by others, some by our own choices. But the Christian is called to ask, not only “Why did this happen?” but “How might God use even this for good?”

Joseph’s story tells us that forgiveness is possible, and that our past doesn’t disqualify us from God’s plan—it may even prepare us for it.

In the Gospel, Jesus sends out the Twelve apostles with a mission:

“Proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’” (Matt 10:7)

He tells them not to take money, or extra clothes. In other words, trust God. Rely on divine providence, just as Joseph did.

These two readings together remind us of the Catholic vision of vocation. Every Christian, by baptism, is called to participate in Christ’s mission. The Catechism says:

“The whole Church is apostolic… she is sent out into the whole world.” (CCC 857)

Whether we are parents, teachers, students, workers, or retired—our lives are not random. We are sent. That difficult job? That challenging family situation? That quiet suffering? Like Joseph in Egypt or the apostles on the road, God has sent you there to bear witness, to preserve life, and to proclaim hope.

This doesn’t mean we need to preach on street corners. But it does mean we are called to live with intentionality: to love when it’s hard, to forgive when it’s undeserved, to speak truth gently, and to trust that God is working even when we can’t see it.

Our strength comes not from ourselves, but from the grace of the sacraments—especially the Eucharist, where we are fed, and Reconciliation, where we are healed and made new. These are not private rituals but divine encounters that equip us to go out into the world with courage.

Today, ask:

Where might God be calling me to recognise His providence, even in something painful?

Who needs to hear a word of hope, forgiveness, or encouragement from me?

How can I live this day as one who is sent?