Catechesis Notes for the Week — God’s Blessing Is Always Anchored in His Grace — The narrative of Joseph’s sojourn in Egypt concludes this week with a clear and unmistakable proclamation of God’s grace. Jacob’s Blessings Before He Dies show how each of the twelve sons of Jacob are part of God’s gracious providence to the house of Israel. Each of them had his place. Each was called by God’s name. Each of them had their share in the blessing of God’s grace through the promise made to the fathers. Joseph Continues to Show Mercy to His Brothers by one final act of absolution. After the death of Jacob, Joseph’s brothers feared that he would take revenge upon them. He did not! But in the stead of the Lord of all grace, Joseph proclaimed the Lord’s absolution to them yet again, “Do not be afraid…you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive…do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” After centuries in Egypt, the children of Israel grew to the tens of thousands. A wicked Pharaoh began to oppress them and subject them to bitter bondage. They would learn through their suffering to cry out to the Lord for deliverance according to the promise made to the patriarchs. The Birth of Moses marks a new chapter in the history of God’s people. Moses would be trained in the household of Pharaoh, but he did not forget his people. At the age of 40, Moses Flees to Midian where he becomes a shepherd and marries Jethro’s daughter Zipporah. For the next 40 years, the Lord would prepare him to be the most important prophet in the Old Testament, the one who would lead the children of Israel out of bondage. Upon Mount Sinai, I AM Appears to Moses in the Burning Bush and calls him to be His spokesman before Pharaoh and the children of Israel. The time of their bondage was drawing to a close. The eternal God of the promise of salvation would make good on His promise and rescue His people.CP230205