The story of Joseph and his brothers continues in a tale retold by the German novelist Thomas Mann who decided to rewrite this story for a generation that was living through the horrors of WWII. The Psalm offers us a lens through which to understand the story -- The LORD foils the designs of peoples. But the plan of the LORD stands forever; the design of his heart, through all generations." Joseph became an instrument through whom God rescues the people, not only of Egypt, but of many nations, from a famine that extended through the then known world. Joseph's family were forced to come to Egypt and Joseph used this opportunity to initiate reconciliation between himself and his whole family. God's plan to bring peace and reconciliation to the world ultimately overcomes the divisive and destructive plans of arrogant leaders who wage wars against innocent peoples to expand their empires. The classic tale of Joseph and his brothers prevails as divine inspiration.

In the Gospel, 12 men were empowered by Jesus to carry on His ministry of healing, reconciliation and proclamation. God's Will to establish a kingdom of peace and justice was initiated in a distant outpost of an empire that would ultimately be vanquished and transformed by the message of the Gospel. God's good news of peace and reconciliation continues to a world albeit suffering from the 'plans designed by wicked people.'