Today is one of those days where the thread through the Old Testament through the Psalm into the Gospel -- Joseph suffered at the hands of his kin, the Israelites, and so will Jesus.  We know well the story of Joseph, and this parable is not so opaque; we are told that the chief priests and Pharisees understood immediately.  The message is that the chosen one will be misunderstood and suffer at the hands of those who should support him the most.  This can serve as comfort to all of us who feel misunderstood by family and friends, the frustrated geniuses.  That is lovely, but it is not the lesson. 

We need to read on, and as was the trademark of radio commentator Paul Harvey, know "the rest of the story."  If we go a bit further into Genesis, we see that Joseph does not lose faith, and in fact, brings blessings to Pharaoh's household, even as a slave.  Ultimately, he is in a position to save his family, the very brothers who conspired to kill him and sold him away.  Jesus, of course, comes through his suffering and death to save all of us.  But that is not the whole story either.  Joseph has no bitterness to those who have done him wrong.  He serves Pharaoh with joy, and welcomes his brothers and their families.  Jesus does not live out the vengeance assumed by the hearers of the parable.  The jealous, misguided folks are not punished, or even shamed, they are transcended. 

So here is the tough part: How do we muster the generosity of heart of Joseph, or of Jesus?  Do me wrong, and it is not so hard for me to know that I can prevail and be appreciated in due time (and smirk inwardly, if not overtly).  But where is the love?  How do I transcend the pettiness, vengeance, jealousy, resentment -- I've been done wrong!  The answer, of course, is God, and being open to Him and the Holy Spirit.  Am I open to God speaking to me?  I learned the Fruits of the Holy Spirit for Confirmation, but how often do I reflect on them, and amplify them - Love, Patience, Faithfulness, Joy, Kindness, Gentleness, Peace, Generosity, Self-Control.  Do I, like Joseph, have the perspective to see mistreatment as enabling me to do God's will and serve my brothers?  Do I follow Jesus' threat of revoking the promised Kingdom of God, or do I embrace its openness to all, and yet another chance to straighten it out?

We have a month of Lent left.  We are (hopefully) in our Lenten groove of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.  Over the next four weeks, how much can we be more loving, patient, faithful, joyful, kind, gentle, peaceful, generous, in-control?  The "haters" among our families, friends, classmates, co-workers will still be there, letting their jealousy, lack of understanding, and anger drive their actions.  Let's not join them -- take a deep breath and transcend.