Proper 15 (A) + Grace abounds + 8.20.17
(Earthseed, Godischange.org) M. Campbell-Langdell All Santos, Oxnard (Genesis 45:1–15; Ps. 133; Romans 11:1–2a, 29–32; Matthew 15:(10–20), 21–28) Oh, how good and pleasant it is, when brethren live together in unity! (Ps. 133:1) How sad that we have not seen this unity in the world recently. Sometimes, looking at the events in Charlottesville and Barcelona, one begins to ask – where is the unity? And what does forgiveness look like in a world of hateful actions and speech? The story of Joseph and his brothers in the book of Genesis is a powerful one. If you recall, Joseph was a special kid, favored by his father and even given a special multi-colored coat. There was something different about him, even as a kid, and it drove his brothers up the wall. So they first tried to abandon him and then sold him to slavery. And then told their father he was dead. Really caring brothers! But the amazing thing is how God turned all of this around. Because Joseph was gifted, he first r...