Ensures

"Am I in the place of God?" Genesis 50:19.

That's the question of a man who had opportunity to avenge wrongs done to him. Kidnapped as a teen, thirteen years as a slave and imprisoned on false testimony, but having risen to authoritative power, he now faced his violators. They groveled for his forgiveness. Mind you, justice is no trifling matter to God. Evil doers cannot violate God-endowed rights with impunity. Justice weaves throughout the fabric of creation. And God will avenge: Vengeance is mine, says the Lord. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. God will repay. Forgiveness toward others arises, at times not easily, from those who entrust themselves to him who judges justly.

We receive brothers and sisters today siblings, all of us, redeemed by Jesus' blood that speaks grace. And, together, we sing praises of joy and thanksgiving to God whose cross ensures justice in this, and all worlds.