"Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones. And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them." (Gen 50,21)
Shouldn't it be the other way around? After all, Joseph was the one who was hurt, he lived his hell on Earth, so it would be logical for the brothers to comfort Joseph... But there was poverty, dryness in their hearts. In their inner prison they did not find the freedom that Joseph had, and thanks to which he internally abounded with the wealth he could give out.
Joseph doesn't take revenge on his brothers - he could, but he doesn't have to. The greatness of a person, but also the simple joy of life, is apart from other things determined by what we could, but do not have to. This is also the essence of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, which is not always understood correctly. Turning the other cheek is not a provision of the new commandment or a law, it does not mean that I always have to get slapped, but that I have achieved the freedom not to have to revenge.
"And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them." Josef, "Safenat Paneach" - Savior of the World - comforts those who have hurt him and intended to kill him. What a perfect image of Christ who sent the Spirit of consolation to stay with us for the same purpose. He rests quietly where he is welcome, does not count thousands of grievances, and distributes the peace and love of God.
Sunday, March 28, 2021
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