For the final Sunday of this sermon series on the new Mission and Vision statements of The United Church of Canada, Rev. Cari preached on Genesis 45:3-11,15. It’s the “Hollywood ending” of the Joseph saga, in which he reveals himself to his brothers and weeps over them.

Rev. Cari contends that Joseph’s behavior at that moment is evidence of his “deep spirituality.” Joseph is able to “keep himself company” (Glennon Doyle) and so he can maintain his equanimity around the brothers who had formerly sold him to traders. Indeed, he can even forgive them.

Learning to keep oneself company, so that one can hold space for others who are very different, is the call Rev. Cari articulates in this sermon. (It was this weekend when the so-called “Freedom convoy” was forcibly removed from the downtown core of Ottawa by the authorities.) She refers to Martin Luther King Jr.’s articulation of the “Beloved Community” and shares words about that vision with the congregation as well. Learning the disciplines and practices of non-violence are part of this work. But grounding in an authentic relationship with God in Christ is the foundation.