7/8/2015 – Wednesday of the 14th week in Ordinary Time – Genesis 41:55-57, 42:5-7a, 17-24a

      These past weeks we have been hearing passages from the Book of Genesis in our first readings during daily mass.  This week we are hearing the story of Jacob and his sons.  When I hear the story of Joseph, I think of my childhood and hearing the story of Joseph and his coat of many colors, of coloring a picture of Joseph and that coat of many colors with crayons in Sunday school in the basement of the small church we attended in Chicago. 

        Recently, I have seen how the story of Joseph has been interpreted as the story of how a young many overcame a situation of abuse at the hands of his brothers.  I recently read these observations about Joseph’s story in an article trying help individuals heal from abusive relationships: “The abused person must forgive the past.  (He must) never forget who he is in Christ, and keep a good attitude in spite of the abuse. Abuse can make a person feel as if his life is not worth living and can result in bitterness. This kind of contempt is responsible for most of the long-term effects of the abuse… Those who are careful to keep a good attitude (and enter a process of healing and recovery) increase in life rather than get run over by it. Joseph resisted choosing a lifestyle designed to solely protect himself from further abuse. He chose to take full responsibility for his part of every relationship and trusted God for his protection."

          Recovering from an abusive relationship is very complex and very difficult.  And as a priest, I usually recommend that the person seek professional help in the form of a counselor or therapist or psychologist to help us on the road to recovery and to heal from an abusive relationship. When Joseph had his brothers in that guardhouse, I wonder if it crossed Joseph’s mind to get vengeance and revenge against his brothers, if he thought he could get even with them instead of choosing a path of reconciliation and healing.  May we lift up to the Lord the ways we need to reconcile and heal in our lives.  May the Lord help us in our brokenness.