Sold for Good

~~~ Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13A, 17B-28A ~~~ Psalm 105 ~~~
~~~ Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46 ~~~

Here comes that master dreamer!

Joseph's brothers mocked him
by calling him 'the master dreamer'.

We all have dreams.
Why is Joseph different?

Joseph was the youngest of the brothers.
He was born late in the life of his parents.
Perhaps he reported the mischievous behavior to their father.

They were able to find many reasons to tease and taunt him.
When Jacob made Joseph a beautiful new colorful tunic
that was it. The brothers had had enough.

Joseph had recently shared with his father
and his brothers two dreams.

“Look, I had another dream,” he said; “this time, 
the sun and the moon and eleven stars 
were bowing down to me.” Genesis 37:9

They were primed for evil to enter into their hearts.
Once they were away from their father
they began to actively plot his death.

The brothers refused to accept the dreams of Joseph.
He was the laughing stock of his brothers.

Little did they know what God
had planned for their little brother.

Because they were distracted from killing their brother
 by an approaching caravan of Ishmaelites.

Ultimately they sold Joseph into slavery.

For them this was a win win.
They got rid of him and his wild dreams.
The added benefit earned them
some extra money in the deal.

Because of their evil plot, Joseph
was able to save his people
 including his own family
from certain starvation.

Remember the marvels the Lord has done.

What if your worst enemy was the very person
God would use to save your life one day.

How would you feel?

What if you had the opportunity to save
your worst enemy...
Would you do it?

Joseph saw the doom of the great famine in a dream.
He could have kept it to himself and done nothing.

Joseph was given the grace
to understand that God was using him. 

God wanted to save the people from starvation;
it was Joseph who was tasked to tell the King.

The King had learned to listen to Joseph.
More often than not he interpreted his dreams
in the long run to the benefit of the King.

God continues to do great things for his people...
this includes you and me.
God continues to use individuals to bring
about his Divine plans for us.

Be open, God may be planning to use you
in a very unique way.

Now is the time to pray for the grace
to see how and where God wants to use you.

God spoke to Joseph in his dreams.
What do you dream?

Blessed even in your dreams.

~~~ Peace ~~~

An Understanding Heart

~1 Kings 3: 4-13 ~~~~ Mark 6:30-34 ~

 I am so excited about the readings for today. It is unfortunate that most people since it is Saturday will not read them. In fact if I were not doing these daily reflections I would have missed these two passages myself.

In the Book of Kings Solomon went away to Gibeon to offer sacrifice because it was the most renowned high place. He was in effect away on retreat. During the night the Lord appears to him in a dream. The Lord is fond of speaking to people in dreams. I have had touching dreams, but nothing like the one Solomon experiences. Because God is pleased with Solomon he says, "Ask something of me and I will give it to you."

Can you imagine having that dream? What would you ask for from God?

Solomon, in his wisdom simply asked for 'an understanding heart'. Oh my gosh an understanding heart what a selfless request. If we lived in a world where everyone did have an understanding heart things woulf be so different. Sadly that would be a dream fantasy world. I think I should pray for a more understanding heart. If I had a more understanding heart at least I could make a tiny difference to those around me. God was undoubtedly impressed by Solomon's response and does give him the gift of profound Wisdom. A heart so wise and understanding that no one has ever compared. God is lavish with his gift of understanding.

Understanding and Wisdom are both gifts of the Holy Spirit that we receive at Confirmation. Solomon was confirmed in his dream while on 'retreat'. There is value in getting away by yourself on a regular basis. Which brings me to Mark's gospel.

The apostles were tired they had been traveling all over the countryside with Jesus. Everywhere they went they were more and more amazed by the things Jesus was doing and saying. Adrenaline was surging through their bodies and they needed to take a break. I am sure you can identify. Sometimes life can get extremely hectic and you just need to get away.

I remember an old Calgon bath comercial where a woman relaxing in the bath tub would say, 'Calgon, take me away'. Of course she was still in her bath tub!

Jesus in his infinite wisdom and with an understanding heart said to the Apostles,

"Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest awhile."

When will you take rest in a quiet place? Set aside time for yourself in the near future to rest awhile.

I chose this original image of the pages of a book rising into the air because it reminded me of how in our dreams things can be so distorted.
This kaleidoscope image reminds me of the need to set aside time away from the day to day tasks to listen for the words of God.