The scripture read are Genesis 43-45, Psalm 15 and Matthew 15.
Genesis 43. What a changed family. The brothers who sought to kill Joseph and settled on selling him into slavery have falling all over themselves to assure his safety to their father. How deep the grief over Joseph must be that Jacob now clings to poor Benjamin. Judah pledges his life for Benjamin's should something happen to him. On the point of starvation, Israel consents.
Genesis 44. The suspense builds when the same switch happens with the money returned in the bags of grain. But an important chalice is found--Benjamin's pack. Israel's beloved son must stay in Egypt as Joseph's slave as payment for the stolen chalice. Judah launches into an eloquent plea for his brother and how his loss with kill their father!
Genesis 45. Joseph loses it. Is it the description of his still-grieving father? Or is it the fact that his brothers would never have done to Joseph now what they did then because they now see the emotional damage and psychological consequences of their action? Is he distressed at their distress? He sends his Egyptian staff out and in tears reveals himself to his brothers. They are dumbfounded. He also reveals how his progress from Canaan to Egypt, from slave to prisoner to Pharoah's administrator was planned by God so that he could save countless people from perishing in the famine.
"So, for God's sake, go get my father and bring the whole family to me in Egypt." Joseph kisses his brothers, showers them with gifts. Pharoah sends wagons to carry them to best land in Egypt. When the brothers reach Israel, he can't believe it at first. And then: "For God's sake, get me to my son before I die!" If you can read this with a dry eye, you need a heart transplant.
Psalm 15. A psalm that asks "What kind of person can stand in God's presence?" It's a pretty lofty list and not many can say they've met every condition. "...who has never done harm to his fellow...who stands by his path even to his hurt...who has never lent money at interest..." No bankers in heaven, then.
Matthew 15. Jesus essentially says the causes of our moral problems are not external. It's not how you did the ritual; it's not the lack of the Ten Commandments in the classroom; it's not what he said that caused you to hit him; it's not what she wore that caused you to rape her. The cause is always internal. The cause is in your heart. That's where our problems originate; that's what has to change.
A woman who is completely out of place in Christ's mission shows how much Jesus admires people who are both humble and yet bold in their faith.
Jesus feeds 4000. The disciples still haven't caught on.
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