The cycle of readings I follow has me reading through the Joseph stories in Genesis 41 and following. Remember that Joseph was one of twelve sons born to Jacob. Jacob had had his issues with his brother, Esau, but nothing like the family dynamics that faced Joseph and his siblings.
Joseph has these dreams in which his brothers (and even his father and mother) bow down before him. Joseph is favored by their father, and his father makes him the coat of many colors. Finally, the brothers have had enough and they first plot to kill Joseph, then decide to merely sell him into slavery. Joseph ends up in Egypt, finds favor with the Pharaoh, and ends up (through interpreting another dream) saving all Egypt from a severe famine. He is placed in charge of the stores of grain, saved from previous years.
Now in a position of power, Jacob receives a visit from his brothers (who do not know it is there brother) when the famine threatens their lives. They come and bow before him, asking for help.
Family dynamics are always interesting (you might say difficult.) While the notion of family is celebrated (and rightfully so) the realities can be different. Some would say that all disagreements are an attempt to work out our own issues,and that we need something or someone to respond against and who better than those whose connection to us consists of blood, rather than choice. So, we fight with our siblings because unlike friends they cannot end the relationship. We remain brothers/sisters.
All of this this morning, after yesterday's invitation (for the LCM Wednesday program) to reflect on "Why we need to be part of the Church." And I found myself wondering if we look at our fellow church members as brothers/sisters or if we see them as persons who have (for now at least) joined the same "club." If we see them as the latter, we might not develop the level of trust it takes to walk with them as we address life's issues. It is only when we see them as the previous that we truly benefit from their presence and from our relationship with them.
Jesus said that his mother and brother and sisters were those who did the will of his Father. That makes us brothers and sisters with Christ; with one another. Our lives and our actions ought to show such a level of commitment to one another. That commitment provides a foundation and a safe place for us to work through all the things which life will bring our way.
The story of Joseph and his brothers ends with the establishment of a great nation, a chosen people. So does ours. Let us each do our part to mold the life-history we share.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
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