British author Douglas Hyde once wrote for the Communist Daily. To smear the Catholic Church, he bought Avro Manhattan's The Catholic Church Against the Nineteenth Century. He read it, but something strange happened. He writes: "Instead of giving ammunition against the Church, I learned something about the Church's social teaching. Avro Manhattan wrote the book to make people anti-Catholics. It helped make me 'pro' Catholic instead."
Something like this happened to Joseph in our first reading. His brothers tried to destroy him. But instead of destroying him, they ended up doing just the opposite.
When bad things happen to us, how convinced are we that God can bring good out of them? "The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone." Psalm 118:22
Pope John XXIII received a group of Jewish rabbis early in his pontificate. All were touched by his simple greeting: "I am Joseph, your brother." This friendly attitude of the pope opened a new era for Jewish-Christian relations and positive developments within the Church's ecumenical community.
"I am Joseph, your brother," Joseph tells his brothers on their second visit. When they don't understand, he adds, "I am Joseph whom you sold into Egypt." None of the words are bitter or reproachful. He tested his brothers. He planted his silver cup in Benjamin's sack to see how they responded. He made the scene in which he revealed his identity as dramatic as he could.
Trusting in God's Plan
I wonder, when his brothers sold him, did Joseph feel terrified? Was he aware of God's plan and was not afraid of the outcome? I wonder if he knew all along that he had a greater purpose and trusted God to look after him. When Joseph finally revealed his identity to his brothers, his words embodied more than forgiveness. His words had a sense of knowing and cooperation with God.
A wise person is mature and in control of their feelings. The result is not only self-mastery learned through years of discipline but also insight into God's plan. They understand that even injustice and hurt suffered silently can be a source of strength.
God Can Bring Good
Years later, Joseph realized he was "sent" to save his brothers when he was sold to Egyptians. He repaid the evil his brothers had done to him with the good of protecting them from famine.
Joseph's story is a powerful reminder that God can bring good from even the worst situations. Joseph's brothers tried to destroy him but instead helped him fulfil his destiny. Joseph could forgive his brothers, and he was able to see the good God had brought out of their evil actions.
Even when things seem bad, God works in our lives. Experiencing true peace and happiness requires forgiveness.
Step Out in Faith
As we go about our day today, let us remember the story of Joseph. Let us trust in God's plan for our lives and be willing to forgive those who have wronged us. When we step out in faith, we can make an impact on the world around us.
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