Beyond tribe and family

In the text of the Roman Catholic Lectionary from the Book of Genesis today is the statement that the new ruler of Egypt did not know Joseph. This may be the rationale behind treating the Israelites as foreign and not of the tribe(s) of Egypt. The consequence of not being “in the tribe” is well known in human history. The war and oppression that we visit on the outsider is a continuous feature of human relations since the time of Joseph. The psalmist praises God for the protection that Israel has known at the hands of God. The Covenant which established the intimate relationship between God and Israel is a relationship for Israel to bring to all peoples. It is not a tribal gift. The Gospel of Matthew presents Jesus instructions and training for those who follow Him. The tribe and the family are not more important than the relationship with the Divine. The consequence of abandoning the primacy of tribe and family can be extreme. It can include expulsion and treatment as traitor. The growth of people in relationship with the Divine develops Prophets and Holy Ones. These lives are in service to all. Those who recognize the prophetic and holy experience the fruit of these relationships. The Body of Christ is one. There should be no separation into families and tribes.