In the first reading, Joseph, who was sold as a slave to Egypt by his brothers, finally reveals himself to them now that he was the chief minister of Egypt. He understood that God’s designs included his being sold as a slave and his subsequent sufferings which eventually led to his vindication and exaltation. He forgave his brothers because he loved them.
In the Gospel reading we see Jesus missioning the Twelve to proclaim the Good News to the various towns and communities of Israel: “The kingdom of heaven is near.” As witness to their message they are given powers to “heal the sick, bring the dead back to life, cleanse the lepers, and drive out demons.” They are to exercise these gifts and powers freely; they are to depend upon the hospitality and generosity of the communities they visit.
In his infinite wisdom and power, God had decreed that the Good News is to be preached to Israel and the world then and for all time by men and women invited by God.
The 120 martyrs of China, 87 Chinese and 33 missionaries from Europe. priests and lay people, whose memorial is celebrated today, like the Twelve, have been missioned by the Church to preach the Good News to the people of China at various times and places from the mid-seventeenth century to the nineteenth century. Like our Lord whom they loved and followed, they gave their lives in witness to the Good News they preached.
