It seems that trials are an inescapable part of our human life. We become ill; we have misunderstandings with even the people we love; we are disappointed in our work. Very often these frustrations are a real test of our faith. The two readings today speak directly to the meaning of these trials in the life of the follower of Jesus. In the first reading, Jacob is commanded by Yahweh to go with his family to Egypt, a strange and alien land where his beloved son, Joseph, was sold into slavery. Yahweh does not tell him there will be no hardships. But He does tell Jacob not to be afraid, because "I will go with you... and I will bring you back to your home" in Israel.

Similarly, in the second reading, Jesus sends out His disciples "as sheep among wolves". They will face hostility from both Jews and Gentiles - as Jesus Himself did. They will be persecuted, and some of them will even face death. But again, as with Jacob of old, Jesus promises them that as long as they go forth in His name, His Father will protect them. As Yahweh told Jacob that He will protect him, so too Jesus' word to every disciple who makes a commitment to follow Him. However, it won't be easy, just as Calvary was not easy. But He will always be with us in the struggle. And in the end, when He "brings us home again", we will know that all the hardships have been worthwhile!