Family secrets

In today’s first reading, from the book of Genesis, we have part of the familiar story of Joseph and his brothers: the part when Joseph as governor of Egypt hides his identity from his brothers and makes life difficult for them.

In some ways, the story reminds us of many dysfunctional families today: full of deception, manipulation, and retribution.

Even though Joseph is here the one who is meting out most of the deception, manipulation and retribution, he deeply feels the brokenness of the situation (but he hides his weeping).

Perhaps we ourselves may be in dysfunctional families or dysfunctional relationships.

Perhaps we feel the brokenness keenly, like a sharp knife or a heavy weight or inescapable quicksand.

Perhaps we have been oblivious to the damage we ourselves have been causing or facilitating.

Perhaps we have been apathetic or perhaps we have let ourselves be overcome with anger and even hate.

The Lord stretches forth his healing hand to us - even now, no matter what.

No matter how bad things may have been, no matter how great the obstacles or complex the web of heartache, God’s healing power is there for us.

God’s healing power does not always manifest itself in a wondrous flash – the greatest wonders of the Lord are sometimes shown forth only with the passage of time – but God’s healing grace is all-powerful.

We must be prudent,
careful,
patient,
prayerful,
brave,
resilient,
gentle,
clear,
loving,
strong,
but above all
faithful
to the truth and love
that comes to us
in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.