The brothers of Joseph, these men sold their own brother into slavery out of sheer jealousy.
In someways their example is so extreme we cannot relate to it. And yet, as we approach the half-way point in the season of Lent, we must each look into our hearts and acknowledge whatever jealousies we have.
Often we try and wrap our jealousy in the cloak of righteous indignation. We tell ourselves that we are angry because someone has something they do not deserve. It may even be true there is some unfairness in a particular situation. But jealousy is not the proper response.
If there is a true injustice then we should have the courage to address that at its proper source. And if we cannot muster the courage, then as the nuns would have said in a previous age, "offer it up." Truth be told if you have access to the Internet and can read this blog chances are you are not one of the millions experiencing true deprivation.
As we continue the spiritual house cleaning of the Lenten Season, today let us focus on locating and naming whatever jealousy there is in our hearts. Only then can we bring it to Jesus and allow his grace to forgive and transform.
