But Joseph replied to them: “Do not fear. Can I take the place of God?
Even though you meant harm to me, God meant it for good, to achieve this present end, the survival of many people.
So now, do not fear. I will provide for you and for your children.” By thus speaking kindly to them, he reassured them. (Genesis 50:19-21 NABRE)
Imagine yourself growing up in a large family with lot of brothers. Being the youngest was not always easy, but you played and learned with your brothers. And even though they teased you, you still loved them and admired them. Joseph had eleven brothers, was seen as his dad's favorite, and was the object of his brother's deep envy. In fact, they became so jealous of Joseph, they wanted to kill him, settling instead--out of self-protection--for selling him into slavery. Flash forward many years and Genesis presents their awkward but ultimately successful family reunion. Today's passage occurs some years later, not long after their father, Jacob's, death.
We can learn so much from Joseph's love for his family. Every time I read these words, I am moved by his kindness towards his brothers. In a position of complete authority over them, he tells them not to fear, that he will provide for them and their children. Look at the healing and the real strength in his kindness. The power of forgiveness is God's power unleashed, perhaps, in its greatest manifestation. Let us learn to be forgiving people. Let us learn to be kind people. Let us work to remove fear from the hearts of our brothers and sisters. Let us seek God's good ends in all our bad circumstances.
Today, I will pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy for anyone in need of forgiveness.
Saint Benedict, whose influence impacted the preservation of the liturgy, pray for us.
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