Joseph of Egypt

Joseph of Egypt

Joseph was the son of Jacob, one of the youngest of his brothers.  His mother was not Leah but Rachel.  Remember that Jacob loved Rachel more than her older Sister, Leah.  Leah is described as someone who has beautiful eyes because that's the only nice thing about her.  Some depictions of her on television shows or movies that she looks quite masculine and also has a beard.  

Joseph was kind of a 'show off' person.  He dreamt that once the sun, moon and all the stars bow down to him.  His Father made him a coat of many colors and Joseph liked to show it off to his brothers.  He boast as if he the favorite son.  Joseph probably didn't do it on purpose.  He had a simple and innocence attitude.  But the brothers hated the boastful but innocent attitude.  If I was one of his brothers, I would know how they feel towards their 'show off' brother.  I can see why they would throw him into the cistern and then sell Joseph as a slave.  

But despite all the tragedy that happen to Joseph, in retrospect, it happened for a reason.  Joseph was able to provide for his family in time of famine.  This is when Israel and his family moved and resided in Egypt.

Taking on the second highest position in Egypt, overseeing the food supply, Joseph decided to trick his family into bringing the rest of the family to Egypt.  He could've easily sought retribution for the way he was treated by his brothers, but he loved them and never wanted any harm done to them.  His tears display his affection for them.  

The nations throughout the world went to Joseph because he would provide for their needs in time of famine.  In a similar way, the Church is to take on the same responsibility.  The Church is to be a place of refuge and shelter for those who are in need, physically and most especially spiritually through prayer.  

God's word today also speaks that true freedom is to show mercy and forgiveness.  Freedom is the offspring of mercy.  When we forgive and show mercy, we are free from the need to get even.  The Lord demonstrate that for us on the cross when he said: "Father forgive them for they know not what they do."

The Church is place of refuge and shelter for those in need.  The Church is a dispenser of mercy.