God Uses Betrayal to Fulfill Promises

Homily for Thursday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary TIme

Today’s reading from the Book of Genesis is, perhaps, one of the most emotionally layered moments in the entire Hebrew Bible. Though he tries to keep his stoic attitude before his brothers, he finally breaks down. “I am Joseph; does my father still live?” Joseph not only weeps, he sobs so loudly that the Egyptians hear him. Years of grief, betrayal, longing, and hope erupt in an uncontrollable flood. Remarkably, there is no trace of bitterness in Joseph who had every reason to be vengeful. He embraces reconciliation with his brothers with astonishing grace.

Joseph does not immediately reveal himself. His restraint gradually gives way to overwhelming compassion. He tests his brothers, wrestling with trust and forgiveness. However, this is all swept away by his tearful revelation that he understands that God permitted his bondage in Egypt in order to save the lives of many people. “It was really for the sake of saving lives that God sent me here ahead of you."

The betrayal of Joseph by his brothers mirrors the betrayal of Jesus by his disciples. One man betrayed him to the Sanhedrin; all abandoned him. The Gospels of St. Matthew and St. Mark accentuated this betrayal and abandonment. The tears shed by Joseph are a remarkable detail that reminds us of Jesus’ agony in the Garden of Gethsemane as he prays for his Father to release him from the “cup” that lies before him. The irony in the story of Joseph is that the dreams that so angered his brothers all come to fruition through their betrayal. This is also the irony of Jesus’ passion and death which brings to fruition the plan that God originally spoke of in the Garden of Eden. Sin and death have been vanquished. Life has prevailed.

We give thanks today for the salvation won for us by Jesus as we celebrate the sacrament that he has left behind.