Friday of the Second Week of Lent
(Genesis 37:3-4.12-13a.17b-28a; Matthew 21:33-43.45-46)
Parents of drug addicts sometimes tell the sad story of
how they had to lock their doors on their addicted children. After repeated instances of having their
household treasures stolen to support a drug habit, they said, “Enough is
enough,” and refused their troubled children entry into their homes. In today’s reading from Genesis we hear the
story of Joseph’s brothers treating him with even greater disregard than some drug
addicts manifest toward their parents.
Not all his brothers conspire to kill Joseph. Rueben, the eldest of the lot, shows some
compassion by suggesting that they hold him prisoner while he figures out how
to send him home safely. Another
brother, Judah, seems to have a similar sentiment, but his suggestion that they
sell Joseph to Ishmaelite traders may be read as an attempt to realize a profit
while ridding themselves of their nemesis.
In sum, the motive of all the brothers, save Rueben, is treachery. They exemplify the dark side of humanity in crying
need of renewal.
