Today, we recall the saga of Joseph, son of Jacob. It is the tale of a man who remains faithful to his God and of a God who faithfully guides and protects this special man.

Joseph’s brothers, who are envious of their father’s special affection for Joseph, decide to kill him, but when a caravan of Ishmaelites appears, the brothers decide to sell Joseph rather than kill him. The hand of his God saves Joseph. He is purchased by Potiphar, who finds Joseph to be a man of honor and places him in charge of his household. His wife Tamar lusts after Joseph, but when he refuses her advances, she tells her husband that Joseph tried to rape her. Potiphar sends Joseph to prison. Joseph develops a friendship with his fellow prisoners and is able, with the help of his God, to interpret their dreams.

Later, when the Pharaoh has a disturbing dream and none of his ministers can interpret it, he is told that there is a man in prison who is known for interpreting dreams. The pharaoh summons Joseph, who, with the help of his God, is able to interpret the dreams of seven years of plenty and seven years of famine. The Pharaoh sets Joseph over his whole kingdom to manage this reality. Joseph’s God protected him and brought him great favor.

When Joseph’s brothers come to seek food to escape the famine in their own land, they do not recognize Joseph, but he recognizes them, and his heart is filled with love and forgiveness. Eventually, he welcomes their whole family into the safety of Egypt.

Joseph’s fidelity to God guides his life, and the same fidelity brings Joseph to forgive his brothers’ sins. Lent calls us to fidelity to our God, whose loving-kindness is always over us.

Let Us Pray:

God of all creation, you guided and protected your servant Joseph to witness your loving kindness overall. Give us an abundance of grace during our Lenten observance to give thanks for your care for each of us. Let that thanks prompt us to reach out in loving kindness to all in need of love, affection, and compassion. Amen.