From today’s Scripture: “I am your brother Joseph.”—Gn 45:4

Families forgive and forgive each other. Seventy times seven, as Jesus says—infinitely. In today’s famous Genesis story, we hear of Joseph reconnecting with his brothers, who had left him to die years earlier. Now in Pharaoh’s house, he shows them mercy, offering them survival during hardship.

How hard it is to forgive after someone, especially a family member, has done us gravely wrong. Yet, forgiveness is on the lips of Jesus again and again. Forgiveness is part of love, after all. It’s really hard. It really requires swallowing pride and letting go of hurt. But Gospel liberation follows.

Let us pray: Jesus, you forgave even those who tortured and killed you. Help me to see past my own hurts and grudges, to be generous in my forgiveness of others.

Today’s author is John Feister, an award-winning journalist and former leader of Glenmary’s Communications Team.

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