Do not quarrel along the way – March 6, 2024

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 119:97-120; PM Psalm 81, 82
Gen. 45:16-28; 1 Cor. 8:1-13; Mark 6:13-29

Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob, had a complex family dynamic. If you remember the way the story is told in Genesis 35, Jacob had children by several different women including Leah and Rachel, and their handmaidens Zilpah and Bilhah. There were twelve sons in all, and one named daughter, Dinah. That must have been a lot to manage.

As I write, I hear my two children bickering about access to their shared bathroom and that someone needs to mind their own business and apologize. I am pretty sure someone shoved someone else. The quarreling can get out of hand, and some mornings it is a lot to manage.

Today in Genesis 45, we read a slice of interaction among Joseph and his brothers, as he equipped them to travel from Egypt to gather their father Jacob in Canaan. He gave them provisions for the journey – “good things of Egypt” and grain, bread, garments, and more. As the reunited brothers set out on their trek, Joseph said to them, “Do not quarrel along the way.”

We do not get to read the details of conversations along the sojourn. We do not know if there was bickering or nattering. Or if someone spoke cross words in resentment for something done or left undone. Here’s what is for sure: tensions naturally happen within all relationships. When we are agitated, we are not at our best. This reminds me of the collect we pray this week for the third Sunday in Lent (found on page 218 in the Book of Common Prayer) which starts, “Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves…”

Does this ring true with you? If so, lean on God and pray along with me for help in the ways we care for ourselves – inside and out:

Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

My prayers are with you this Lent,

Katherine+

Reflection and Challenge

When quarrels happen in your relationships, what is your role? What tensions are you avoiding today? Which ones are worth the conversation?

Before engaging in an interaction that could be trying, take a deep breath. Sit with God in prayer. Ask that the Holy Spirit gives you courage to speak truth in love and wisdom to listen well.