In today’s first reading from The Lectionary,
we are reminded of the story of Israel’s youngest son, Joseph.
Joseph is the dreamer to whom his father gave a long coat with sleeves.
Jealous of Joseph, his brothers conspired to kill him–except for his brother, Reuben.
But when Reuben heard it, he delivered him out of their hands, saying,
“Let us not take his life.” Reuben said to them,
“Shed no blood; throw him into this pit here in the wilderness,
but lay no hand on him”–that he might rescue him out of their hand
and restore him to his father. (Genesis 37)
Reuben did not succumb to “group think” as he spoke out against
what the others were planning. It is not easy going against the group.
Do you step out of the crowd and call for that which is right?
Are you the one to protect the person who is vulnerable?
Do you speak out against discrimination, violence, bullying, sexual abuse?
Pray for the courage to do what is right as Reuben did.