Homily Second Friday of Lent (Genesis 37:3ff)
Homily Second Friday of Lent (Genesis 37:3ff)
Many of us have probably seen the musical, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” When we come out of that play, we probably view Joseph as kind of a superhero. This patriarch of the Old Testament has many admirable qualities.
Joseph is smart. Even though he is sold into slavery by his jealous brothers he rises to great heights in the Pharaoh’s court in Egypt. He is a very spiritual person who can interpret dreams. He seems very attune to God. Joseph seems like a very virtuous person. But was he always the holy man he is portrayed as?
When we read the story of Joseph, we could have another interpretation. He was a very arrogant person. His brothers had reason to be envious of him. He was Jacob’s favorite son and Jacob showered gifts on him. Jacob was not subtle as he doated on Joseph.
Joseph seemed to let this go to his head. At one point he tells his brothers about a dream that he had where all of them were binding sheeves of wheat in a field. When they were done and stacked put their sheeves down, the brother’s sheeves bowed down to Joseph’s sheeve. The implication was clear. Joseph thought he was better than his brothers. Is it any wonder that they wanted to harm him?
When Joseph is sold into slavery by his brothers, he learns a lesson in humility. He is no longer a favorite son, but he is brought low as he serves his masters. When Joseph gains power in Egypt, he uses his power to help others, especially his brothers. When his brothers come looking for help in the middle of a famine Joseph generously feeds them and asks them to come and live with him. He does not seek revenge, but he seeks reconciliation. Joseph undergoes a conversion experience and grows in grace.
Reflection Questions:
- Have I had an experience of being brought low? What was that experience?
- How did being humbled change how I relate to others? Would I go back and change what happened in any way?
Dear Parishioners,
Remember that tonight Seton Catholic School is sponsoring a drive through fish fry at Christ the King Parish. This has been a very successfully event the past couple of years and we hope that it is again this year. You can look at the Seton website, www.setonschool.com, to get information.
This Sunday our eight grade confirmation students will be putting their names forward in a Rite of Election stating their intention to be confirmed at the 9 and 11 a.m. Mass on Sunday. Please pray for these young people as they approach the day when they will be confirmed. This sacramental grace will be a great help to them in these challenging times.
May Our Lady and All the Angels and Saints watch over you today.
Fr. Mark