Thursday of 14th week in Ordinary Time, July 12, 2007

Scripture: Genesis 44:18-21,23-29. 45:1-5. Psalm 105:16-21. Matthew
10:7-15. Lectionary #386:

In reflecting upon the Patriarch Joseph who reveals himself to his brothers
and asks about his father Jacob in today's selection from Genesis, I was
reminded of Pope John XXIII who cited this passage with the words, "I am
Joseph your brother" while speaking to Jewish leaders. He was to open
Vatican II to the surprise of everyone for he was considered to an "interim
Pope" who would not ruffle the waters nor rock the boat. The doors of St.
Peter's were opened and a "New Pentecost" had begun for the Catholic
Church. This Council gave us sixteen important documents which are the
lifeline for Church teaching and updating as we move on in this
twenty-first century. Pope John XXIII did more that Pius XI who said, "We
are all spiritually Semites." The Council spirit toward relationships with
the Jewish people continued and developed especially under John Paul II and
now continues to develop along theological lines under Benedict XVI.
Dialogues began in 1972 and continue to this day between Chrisitan and Jews
here in the United States and now there is an openness to a trialogue with
the Muslim people. These dialogues are one of the Spirit's way of bringing
about peace through education, friendship, and openness of minds and
hearts. Perhaps, the National Workshops are not as lively or as often as
the earlier years but they continue through the local dialogues between
Jews and Christians. Publications have resulted and Pope Benedict XVI in
his recent Christological book on Jesus of Nazareth dialogues with the
great Jewish scholar and rabbi Jacob Neusner. This takes place on a
literary and theological level and mode on the part of Benedict XVI.
Perhaps, this is what the story of the unification of Joseph with his
brothers is all about in today's society. Education is one of the sure
ways to peace in this world and religious dialogue is among the vehicles in
which the spirit of Vatican II is kept alive today. Both Jews and
Christians are called upon to thank God for the "Josephs" among us who now
can also invite our Muslim brothers and sisters to the table for dialogue.
Peace will eventually come about through the table conversations rather
than through weapons. We, however, need to come to the table and to stay
there once we have come. Pray that the Lord of the harvest send "Josephs"
into the field of harvest. Amen.