When his brothers draw closer, Joseph tells them, "I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt." He speaks of his life as Pharaoh's son and how God intended him to be there to preserve life through the years of famine. Having told them the truth, he kisses all his brothers and weeps upon them; and after that his brothers talk with him.

Until this moment the brothers are silent. Then they talk to Joseph. The harsh wrong they have done to Joseph cannot be undone. Nothing Joseph says changes the past. The turning point in the story happens only after the one who has been betrayed speaks and forgives. Only then do they talk.

Reconciliation often waits out the tongue-tied guilty who will not or cannot speak first. Why must words of forgiveness precede confession of guilt and remorse? That seems unfair. But if starting over depends only upon justice, where would we be? If new beginnings require confession before being forgiven, who can be healed?

Who in your life stands in guilty silence waiting for you to speak? What reconciliation depends upon your decision to be the first to draw closer and to weep? (2006)

PRAY for the Diocese of Bondo (Kenya)

Ps 78:1-39 * 78:40-72; 1 Corinthians 7:32-40; Mark 6:1-13

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