Catechesis Notes for the Week — The Power of the Forgiveness of Sins—The dramatic story of Joseph’s interactions with his brothers continues in this week’s readings. The true identity of the prince of Egypt remained hidden from his brothers, but the truth of their sin and what they had done to Joseph and their father Jacob was coming to the light of day. God worked repentance in their hearts, turning them away from their self-righteous sins of hatred of their father and brother to a confession of their sin and a yearning for the Lord’s salvation. When the prince’s cup was found in Benjamen’s sack and they were given the opportunity to abandon him, Judah Intercedes for Benjamin before Joseph, offering himself in exchange for his brother, giving us a picture of Jesus, the greater descendant of Judah, who would intercede for us. It grieved Joseph to have had to treat his brothers so roughly, but it was necessary in order to save them from impenitence and condemnation. Joseph Forgives His Brothers. He can bear it no longer. He must reveal himself to them, not to punish them but to forgive them and celebrate the gift of God’s grace. Joseph was motivated by the undeserved forgiveness and grace of the Lord that he himself had received and that had sustained him throughout the hardships of his life which eventually brought him to the pinnacle of Egyptian power. The power of Christ’s forgiveness is revealed in Joseph’s radical and wonderful words to his brothers, “Do not be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life.” By the grace of God, Joseph declared that “God works in all things for our good” (Romans 8:28). In the strength of God’s forgiveness, Joseph is reconciled to his brothers, Jacob Journeys to Egypt to See Joseph, Jacob Settles in the Land of Goshen with all his sons and family, and Jacob Blesses Joseph’s Sons. The line of the Messiah is preserved and in Joseph’s Vow he pledges to return his father’s body to the land of promise for burial. The Lord was present with Joseph throughout his life, working all things for good, by the power of Christ’s forgiving grace.CP230129