Friday of the 2nd week of Lent 

Genesis 37:3-4,​12-13,​17-28
Psalm 104(105):16-21
Matthew 21:33-43, ​45-46

WHERE ENVY AND HATRED REIGN, HUMANITY IS FORGOTTEN

The narrative of Joseph is among the most intricate and engaging in Scripture, offering a depth of detail not paralleled in the accounts of other patriarchs like Abraham and Isaac. Most scholarly interpretations posit that Joseph serves as a typological figure of Jesus Christ, illustrating compelling parallels that warrant a comparative structural analysis:

1. Paternal Affection:
   Joseph referred to as the “beloved” in Genesis 37:3, mirrors the status of Jesus as the “beloved Son” in Matthew 3:17.
2. Mission to Brothers:
   Both figures are sent to their respective brethren—Joseph by Jacob (Genesis 37:13-14) and Jesus as detailed in Luke 20:13 and Hebrews 2:12.
3. Egyptian Sojourn:
   Their narratives converge when Joseph is taken to Egypt (Genesis 37:28) and similarly, Jesus is depicted as fleeing to Egypt (Matthew 2:14-15).
4. Stripping of Robes:
   The act of stripping Joseph of his robe (Genesis 37:23) is echoed in the stripping of Jesus’ garments during the crucifixion (John 19:23-24).
5. Betrayal and Price:
   Joseph is sold into slavery for twenty shekels of silver by his brothers, as narrated in Genesis, while Jesus is betrayed for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16; Mark 14:10-11; Luke 22:3-6; Zechariah 11:12-13).
6. Despair of a Brother:
   Reuben’s grief upon discovering Joseph’s absence from the cistern parallels the distress experienced by the Marys when they find the tomb empty (Luke 24:1-4), both scenarios illustrating a deeper redemptive arc.
7. Rejection by Kin:
   Jesus’ rejection by the Jews is analogous to Joseph’s betrayal by his kin, with Judah’s sales of Joseph reflecting Judas’ betrayal of Jesus.
8. Elevation after Adversity:
   Both figures experience resurrection from a state of despair to a position of unparalleled authority—Joseph in Pharaoh’s court and Jesus at the right hand of the Father (Philippians 2:8-10).
9. Favor in Confinement:
   Both Joseph (Genesis 39:21) and Jesus (Luke 23:47) gained the respect of their jailers, signifying their integrity amidst tribulation.
10. Dual Fates of Companions: Both Joseph and Jesus were associated with two individuals during their trials, leading to contrasting outcomes—one lost, the other saved (Genesis 40:2-3; Luke 23:32).
11. Creation of Turmoil:
    Similar to Joseph’s experiences, Jesus at times instigated turmoil among His followers, yet both remained steadfastly aware of divine guidance.
12. Revelatory Encounters:
    The moment of revelation for both figures—Joseph’s declaration “I am Joseph” and Jesus’ pronouncement to Saul on the Damascus road—serve as pivotal points of recognition, marked by themes of forgiveness and restoration (Genesis 45:1-15; Zechariah 12:10-12).

Contemporary readings of these texts reveal a persistent undercurrent of envy and malice among kinship relations, reminiscent of current societal divisions. The metaphorical “slave brothers” of today are reflections of deep-rooted conflicts. As Matthew Henry observes, “Where envy reigns, pity is banished, and humanity itself is forgotten,” aligning with Proverbs 27:4, which cautions against the destructive nature of envy.

Dear brothers and sisters, it is imperative that we avoid the pitfalls of envy that can lead to actions incongruent with our character. The Jewish leaders’ jealousy over Jesus’ miraculous works exemplifies this point.

Ultimately, both Joseph and Jesus exemplify patience, fidelity, and forgiveness, guided by the overarching conviction of divine sovereignty. We, too, must maintain focus on our objectives, remaining steadfast in our commitment to pursue our mission undeterred by rejection or persecution. Our dedication to God and His commandments should remain paramount.

Stay safe and have a productive day.

Fr Joseph Osho