Friday of the 2nd Week of Lent
Gen 37:3-4,12-13,17-28
Mt 21:33-43,45-46
But Reuben heard and he saved him from their violence. “We must not take his life” he said.
I only knew about Joseph’s thrilling tale from the musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, and appreciated the chance to read his story more closely for today’s reflection. This time, I was struck by the brothers Reuben and Judah, whom I had always ignored as part of the ‘baddies’ (probably due to the way they were portrayed in the musical). But at least Reuben had persuaded his brothers to spare Joseph’s life, and Judah had suggested they sell Joseph to the Ishmaelites because “he is our brother, our own flesh”.
I wonder whether these brothers had already been reluctant to take part in the plan to do away with Joseph, or whether they had agreed in the heat of the moment but then, hadn’t expected the others to carry it out. While Reuben seems more brave and direct, to the point of coming up with his own plan to rescue Joseph, Judah’s motivations are less unclear and I picture him feeling guilty, yet nervous, about voicing his opposition — relieved to hear Reuben’s protest but continuing to be uneasy, even after his brothers had thrown Joseph into the cistern (since they could still kill him if they wanted to) and seizing on the opportunity of using the Ishmaelites with relief, tinged with guilt.
After all, I have reacted in a similar manner, particularly in terms of keeping quiet, for occasions where I felt as if I was in the minority, but fortunately those had far less dire consequences. I don’t know if I could be as courageous or resourceful as Reuben or Judah, if I were to find myself in a situation where the Church’s teachings are seen as counter-cultural, or where the pressure to agree with the crowd has high stakes though. Indeed, today’s reading reminded me not to be too quick to judge those who give in to peer pressure, either because they fear being excluded if they speak up, or because they simply are not aware of what else they can do.
Going back to Joseph, the juxtaposition of his story with the Gospel reading on the vineyard tenants who killed the landowner’s son made me wonder if we are meant to draw parallels between Joseph and Jesus. While Joseph arguably has a ‘happier ending’ (from the popular culture point of view), this article helped me realise that both Joseph and Jesus were beloved sons who were betrayed by their loved ones, and who ultimately chose to forgive them. I also noted that Joseph’s story is yet again another example of how God can use all sorts of circumstances, tragic or triumphant, to carry out His plan and bring about our good. May this bring us encouragement as we strive to return to our Lord this Lent.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Jaclyn Lam)
Prayer: We pray for all victims of discrimination, oppression and persecution. May they receive reassurances of Your presence, acknowledgement of their suffering and justice. We also pray for all who speak up and fight for these victims, that they may be courageous and perseverant, and see their efforts bear fruit.
Thanksgiving: Lord, thank you for your plans for us. Help us to have perfect faith in you, even if we do not have perfect understanding of what we go through.
OXYGEN 
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