Genesis 49:29-33; 50:15-26 / Matthew 10:24-38
Death is a reality that we see every day, whether it happens to our loved ones or in the obituaries.
As it is, death is the finality in life, and whether there is a hereafter depends on what we believe in.
In the 1st reading, we hear of two deaths - the death of Jacob and then later on the death of Joseph.
Both had one final wish as they see their death approaching, and that is that they be buried in the land that God had promised to Abraham, Issac and Jacob, or as we call it "the Promised Land".
It was their final desire that their earthly remains be brought back to the land promised to them and be buried there.
It is there that they belong, whether in life or in death. It is there that they know that upon death, they have come back to God.
As much as we will have to encounter death one day, we must also believe in that we pass on from this world to the other world where Jesus is waiting for us.
He promised us that He has gone to prepare a place for us and that there are many rooms in His Father's house, and that will be our eternal inheritance.
When we truly believe that, then we need not worry and fear of the things of earth, especially death. Because there is something much greater and more glorious waiting for us above.