“Rather, let us sell him to these Ishmaelites, instead of doing away with him ourselves. After all, he is our brother, our own flesh.” (Genesis 37:27)
In the first reading for today, I found myself empathizing with Joseph’s brothers. I recently underwent a situation where I felt like I was being treated unfairly, and it reminded me of how Israel loved Joseph more than his other sons. Because of this, Joseph’s brothers hated him. Of course, I think it is an injustice for Israel to treat one of his sons differently than the others. However, the brothers took it too far because they became bitter and had enough resentment toward Joseph that they even plotted to kill him, but ended up selling him into slavery in Egypt instead. Although I believe it is completely valid to feel upset at injustice, I never want to fall into the trap of resentment, even toward my enemies or those that may be harder for me to love. So I ask God:
Give me the strength to treat all as my own brother, even if they do not treat me as such and even in the face of injustice. Help me to see that everyone is a beloved gift from God and let the Holy Spirit guide me to always treat others justly.
Amen.