We come to the end of the book of Genesis and the long story of Joseph (of the coat of many colours fame) and his family. His complex family history is hinted at in today's reading: grudges, crimes of brothers against brother, pleas for forgiveness, and reassurances of kindness. And this doesn't include the stories of generational patterns of treachery, violence, favoritism, and betrayal, as well as deep love, commitment, faithfulness, and longing.
Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery, but many plot twists later, Joseph is a powerful man in Egypt and saves many, including his brothers, from starvation. Joseph and his brothers are reconciled (Chapter 45) - or are they? When their father Jacob dies old fears, lingering guilt, and new doubts and anxieties arise among Joseph's brothers. "What if Joseph still bears a grudge against us and pays us back in full for all the wrong that we did to him?"
Will the cycle of deception and retribution be broken? Will the brothers accept forgiveness as the heavy burden of guilt they bear is lifted and they move into a place of healing and freedom? Will estrangement end and peace and reconciliation be realised? The story ends without answering any of these questions. Perhaps they are ours to answer as the story speaks into our lives. One example:
The national Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) will wrap up with a Celebratory Walk in Edmonton on April 6th after four years of public hearing in 300 Canadian communities and over 6500 statements from residential school survivors. Many survivors of Canadian residential schools say they are on the road to healing and forgiveness. But Justice Murray Sinclair, chair of the TRC, said the commission is "now focusing on what to do with the information collected" and emphasizes that all Canadians are in need of healing from the legacy of residential schools. (source: CTV News, March 30th). Will the cycle of abuse be broken? Will estrangement end and peace and reconciliation be realised? We are the ones, with God's help, who need to write the next chapter of this story.
For further reflection, see this excellent Globe and Mail article by Shawn A-in-chut Atleo, National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations.
Marilyn Malton
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