READING 7 - THE JEWISH READINGS - CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2
Now ten of Joseph's brothers are in Egypt and, of course, they are in jail because Joseph, who recognised them but did not say a word, wants to try them. They are considered as spies. Reuven and Judah who had counseled not to kill but to sell Joseph are in a poor situation. Reuven, Jacob's firstborn, has said it would be better even to throw him into a pit.
Joseph has the power to release Shimon, but he wants to see Benjamin. And then Jacob is afraid because he suspects that this would imply the murder of both Shimon and Benjamin. This is the power or the lead! And we always suspect that the one who has the lead wants to have it in order to maintain people in a spiritual prison, trapped in jail, spiritual comfort although this might seem ridiculous. As a matter of fact, we do not like to release ourselves or to be independent, self-sufficient and at the same time go ahead and build with others.
Reuven and Judah had sold their brother who has reached a leading position in Egypt. Please do note that in Hebrew, Egypt is called "Mitsrayim" from "metzar", a rope of rushes, a path shown with a rope and marking a border. We should not consider that in a political sense today. But of course, to loose, release is difficult and we make it hard to accept. This is what we have seen from the Gospel of the week. In the Jewish Community, Joseph who has been saved and protected by God, endeavours to help his brothers. But he asks for trust and decency. And both Reuven and Judah had behaved themselves as weak and half-decided personalities. Jacob accepts to show Benyamin to Joseph because of the famine, not because he has confidence in God and His servant who appears to be a real brother.
We face in this portion the same problem of being free towards God and ourselves and being authentic and courageous. This woman came to Jesus because she was looking for relief and release.
Interestingly, Joseph anticipates the savific action of our Lord Jesus Christ who fully delivered us from slavery - a closed area, a famine, discomfort and lack of self-confidence and trust. God shows progressively how power leads to serve and to loose, to feed and to trust, but this presupposes that people and believers in our case are ready to recognise that God is giving them to be constantly on the move.
Verse of Pirkey Avot [Sayings of the Fathers] 2, 13:
"When you pray, do not make your prayer a fixed duty, but a plea for mercy and entreaty before God".
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