2ND WEEK OF LENT

They sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver. 

Have you ever felt as if you were stuck in a cistern? Perhaps poor health, fragile finances, or family conflicts have left you feeling stuck in a deep, dark hole. Well, you’re not alone. In fact, one of the most popular characters from the Old Testament—Jacob’s son, Joseph—actually did find himself stuck in a cistern. In today’s first reading (Genesis 37:3-4,12-13,17-28), we see Joseph, the favored son of a well-to-do landowner, prompt so much jealousy from his brothers that they threw him into a cistern and then sold him into slavery.

As easy as it may have been to be angry at God, Joseph stayed close to him and let the experience teach him important lessons about humility and trust in the Lord. By the time he and his brothers reconciled many years later, a wiser and holier Joseph confessed, “Even though you meant harm to me, God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20). Not only did Joseph grow closer to God, but his ordeal paved the way for his entire family to be saved from famine.

Sometimes, it’s good to try to find a way out of our “cisterns.” But there may also be times when trying to climb out is either fruitless or imprudent. Sometimes you just have to acknowledge that the situation is out of your control, surrender it to the Lord, and wait to see how he will help you.

Maybe he’ll use that situation to teach you patience, perseverance, or forgiveness. Maybe he’ll use your witness of faith to soften somebody else’s heart. Or maybe he has an even better solution waiting for you a little further down the road. Whatever the case, you can always trust that his plan is bigger than yours will ever be.

Joseph’s story shows us that God can bring good out of any situation. He can help us grow in love and grace even when we feel we are in a pit of despair.

Feeling stuck is scary, but if you believe that you are not alone in that hole, if you can trust that God is there accompanying you and helping you grow, that cistern can lead you into a better world.

“Thank you, Lord, for never abandoning me. Help me see every challenge as an opportunity to grow and learn from you.”

Psalm 105:16-21
Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46
Genesis 37:3-4,12-13,17-28

WORD AMONG US