Fourteenth Wednesday of Ordinary Time

When hunger came to be felt throughout the land of Egypt and the people cried to Pharaoh for bread, Pharaoh directed all the Egyptians to go to Joseph and do whatever he told them. When the famine had spread throughout the land, Joseph opened all the cities that had grain and rationed it to the Egyptians, since the famine had gripped the land of Egypt. In fact, all the world came to Joseph to obtain rations of grain, for famine had gripped the whole world.

Before the famine, Joseph interpreted one of Pharaoh’s dreams as being a foretelling of seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine. Impressed by this insights, Pharaoh put Joseph in charge of all of Egypt. For seven years, Joseph stored up the bountiful harvest in preparation for the famine so that all of Egypt would be prepared. Sometimes we are given insights into our own futures and given the opportunity to store up for our own times of famine. Perhaps we might foresee the loss of a job, or anticipate the loss of our health, or sense family troubles ahead. The best time to prepare for difficulties is when we are having years of plenty. We can store up our treasures, make the best use of our talents and time, and prepare ourselves for the trials ahead... so when we come upon rough times we are not left with nothing. The prudence of Joseph is something we should all strive for because when we are prepared for the worst, we are less likely to waste our time despairing, and instead learn to live within the limitations of the moment in hopes of experiencing years of plenty again.

Are we prepared for the worst? Do we foresee any difficulties in our lives? How can we prepare for them physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually?

O Lord, give us the graces we need to live through the famines of our lives.

Amen.