the greatest
"In fact, all the world came to Joseph to obtain rations of grain, for famine had gripped the whole world." —Genesis 41:57
Joseph saved hundreds of thousands of people from starvation. He was one of the greatest people in history. Joseph's brothers were also called to greatness, but they wasted their lives through jealousy, violence, deceit, guilt, and self-hatred.
Every Christian is greater than Joseph (Mt 11:11), because we are adopted sons and daughters of God our Father. It is an understatement to say that we are destined for greatness. Jesus even promised that we who have faith in Him will do greater works than He did (Jn 14:12). Will we do greater than Joseph and Jesus did? Or will we do worse than Joseph's brothers? If we fall into sin, our sins will be worse than those of Joseph's brothers, for in Christ we are new creations. "When much has been given a man, much will be required of him. More will be asked of a man to whom more has been entrusted" (Lk 12:48).
We, who are children of God, are not only called to greatness but obligated to become great. After what the Lord has done for and in us, anything less than greatness is a sin and shame. You are children of the divine, royal, and priestly family (1 Pt 2:9). Live accordingly.
Prayer: Father, may I be myself.
Promise: Jesus "summoned His twelve disciples and gave them authority to expel unclean spirits and to cure sickness and disease of every kind." —Mt 10:1
Praise: St. Benedict was inspired to gather hermit monks together into one "Grand Monastery" with prayer, study, and manual work.
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, January 4, 2001
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, January 24, 2001