Genesis 46:1-7, 28-30 / Matthew 10:16-23
We have heard of this term "bucket list". A bucket list is a sort of wish list of what we would like to do before we pass on from this world.
Of course the wish list can be really long and some of the items in it may not be achievable even.
So some people may say that they want to do certain things before their life comes to an end but how determined are they about it, that's another question.
But some people are dead serious about the things they want to do before their life is over and done.
Like Jacob and Joseph in the 1st reading. It had been over twenty years since they last saw each other. And when they came to know that each was still alive, they would certainly have that wish that they would be able to see each other, even if that would be the last thing they would ever do in life.
As we feel the emotions of Jacob and Joseph in that meeting, where their wish in life was fulfilled, that would also lead us to reflect about the last thing or things we would want to do in life.
More than just want to travel and see the world and eat every food that is reputed to be good, there must be something more when it comes to the last things of life.
Certainly we want to be forgiven of all our sins and be reconciled with God and others and be at peace at our final moments.
We want to stand before God, humble but firm, and with the hope that He will call us His good and faithful servants and let us into His kingdom.
As Jesus said in the gospel: The man who stands firm to the end will be saved.