From the hymn of Lauds today, which fit the readings when you think about the plots that were orchestrated against Joseph in our first reading and the servants in our Gospel. I love that line in the first reading from Judah: “What is to be gained by killing our brother…?”

Here’s the hymn from Lauds today…the lines I preached on today are bold:

We turn to you, O God of every nation,
Giver of life and origin of good;
Your love is at the heart of all creation,
Your hurt is people’s broken brotherhood.

Free every heart from pride and self-reliance,
Our ways of thought inspire with simple grace
Break down among us barriers of defiance,
Speak to the soul of all the human race.

On men who fight on earth for right relations
We pray the light of love from hour to hour.
Grant wisdom to the leaders of the nations,
The gift of carefulness to those in power.

Teach us, good Lord, to serve the need of others,
Help us to give and not to count the cost.
Unite us all, for we are born as brothers:
Defeat our Babel with your Pentecost.