Scripture with the Fathers

"The disciples of John came to him, saying, "Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?" Seems like Jesus could have answered straight away and in brief, but as He is like to do, he answers in a way that invites John's disciples and us as well, to look into Scripture (meaning, "Moses, the writings and the prophets"). Beginning with Leviticus and the prophets and announced in the Gospel of Luke, we see Jesus not just declaring He is the Bridegroom of Israel as God refers to Himself, but ushers in the Great Jubilee with His Incarnation and thus the festal gathering of a (the) wedding.

We hear from St. John Chrysostom, St. Cyril of Alexandria, St. Augustine, and Haydock's Catholic Biblical Commentary to gain an understanding in the literal, moral and end times all found within this chapter 47 of Genesis. The Fathers gives us the tools to see the Scriptures in the fullness of the light of Jesus Christ.

Jesus calls Matthew, a tax collector to be one of the twelve. Jesus then sits down and dines with the other tax collectors and "sinners." The Pharisees are scandalized by this and attempt to divide the disciples from Jesus. This again displays their malice. Jesus quotes the prophet Hosea to them in an attempt to move them from their self righteousness. Matthew in his humility, does not hide that he was a tax collector, considered a traitor to the Jewish people. Jesus calls fishermen and tax collectors as disciples. What solice can we gain from this.

Joseph's Prudent Stewardship separates his family into the fertile Nile Delta where they are fruitful and multiply. Even though the famine becomes more and more intense in its effect, Joseph is able to provide food and grain to the Egyptians in exchange first fore their money, then their animals, land and lastly themselves, becoming slaves (serfs) to Pharaoh. Joseph institutes a flat 20% tax of harvest. Joseph's prudence saves Egypt and they recognize Joseph as a savior and not just for Egypt, but Canaan as well. Jacob blesses Pharaoh?

Jesus returns to Caparaum, "His own city." While at Peter's home he heals a paralytic, but not before forgiving his sins. But who can forgive sins, but God alone? For the Scribes, within their own hearts questioned the words of Jesus and accuse him of blasphemy, but within their own hearts. What is Matthew declaring (Mark and Luke as well) about Jesus? Who and what He is? What is scripture saying about the Scribes? Who are they? We look to the Old Testament and the Fathers to find out.

Jacob revives at the news and proof of the wagons and gifts that Joseph his beloved son is alive. Jacob first goes to Beersheba to offer sacrifice and to worship the God of his father Isaac. The prayer to God in worship, (which always involves sacrifice) comes first before Jacob sets out to go to Egypt. God reiterates the promise he made to Abraham and Isaac that Israel would become a great nation, Joseph rushes to meet his father and falls on his neck, and weeps a flood of tears in joy, for words have no ability to express this joy at Joseph seeing his father and Israel seeing his beloved son! Jacob's life is complete, seeing his son, whom he thought was dead is alive.

Miracles number four and five: Jesus speaks and the storm ceases, and drives out the demons from the two men among the tombs. Jesus displays His divine power in commanding the winds and seas. We look at the Old Testament to gain insight into what it means that Jesus commands the winds and seas.

Joseph makes himself known to his brothers after Judah's supplication to sacrifice himself for his younger brother Benjamin's sake. Joseph is reduced to tears at God's providence and mercy.

Jesus cures many at Peter's house, beginning with Peter's mother-in-law. After having cured many, including driving out demons with a word, (i.e. Because Jesus' divine authority, He commands all things and creatures, including demons). From witnessing these miracles, some wish to follow him, but are they (and we) ready to give up everything to follow Jesus. Discipleship is not for the faint of heart. If we approach with humility and docility, Jesus will come to rest in our hearts.

Joseph puts his elder brothers to the test to gain information about where their true hearts are. Recalling how he was treated with envy and contempt, Joseph tests his brothers to see if their disposition has changed toward their father, to whom they must have lied to and toward their younger brother Benjamin. Are they still envious of the younger? Do they still hid their evil or will they come to the truth in humility. Repentance comes from humility in a trial. Judah, although not the eldest acts as the goel or redeemer of the youngest brother Benjamin.