Second Wednesday of Advent

“So it was not really you but God who had me come here; and he has made me a father to Pharaoh, lord of all his household, and ruler over the whole land of Egypt. Hurry back, then, to my father and tell him: ‘Thus says your son Joseph: God has made me lord of all Egypt; come down to me without delay.’” Gen. 45:8-9

Reflection: Abraham’s descendants now begin a new chapter, one that seems like a blessing and an answer to prayers of desperation. But within a few short generations, they will be mired in unbearable slavery. Joseph has saved them for the time being, but they will soon cry out once more for a savior. Prayer: God our Father, sometimes your blessings are disguised from our eyes. Other times, what we believe to be a dream come true is actually the beginning of a dark struggle we must endure. Prepare us for everything we will encounter on our journey to You. Amen.