Genesis 49:29-33; 50:15-26/ Matthew 10:24-33
Whether it is by choice or by coincidence, the same phrase appeared in the 1st reading as well as in the gospel.
In the 1st reading, Joseph tells his brothers : "Do not be afraid".
In the gospel, Jesus used the phrase "Do not be afraid" three times.
Why were Joseph's brothers afraid? Why did Jesus tell His disciples not to be afraid?
One of the reasons why fear arises is because we forget.
We forget that God is present and that God knows what is happening with us.
We forget that God loves us and cares for us, to the extent that He knows the number of hairs on our heads.
Our worries and anxieties will cause fear to arise in our hearts. Danger and harm will cause waves of fear in us.
But in the midst of the chaos caused by fear, let us turn to the Lord and hear those words - Do not be afraid.
We must trust in the Lord and believe that He cares for us and He will save us because He loves us.