When Joseph revealed his identity to his brothers, he said he had forgiven them for selling him into slavery and even praised God for saving many lives as a result (Gn 45:5). Seventeen years later Joseph's brothers reran this scene. They were afraid Joseph had not forgiven them and would take revenge on them now that their father had died. Joseph told them the same thing he had said seventeen years before (Gn 50:15-20).

Do you have something in your life you could have resolved seventeen years ago? Is there a situation where forgiveness had been given to you but was not received? Have you been unnecessarily living in fear and guilt for years when you could have talked to those involved and found out you had no need to be afraid?

We all are tempted to run away from difficult situations. The devil uses this to manipulate us into living in confusion, guilt, and fear. We should drop everything and reconcile with our brothers and sisters (Mt 5:24-25). We must not let the sun set on our anger (Eph 4:26). Then we will not needlessly torture ourselves with years of confusion, guilt, and fear (see Mt 18:34). Go and settle it now.

Rescript:  †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 1, 2011

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.