NOTES for Gen 44:1-34
The story of Joseph's brothers reaches its highest point of tension in this chapter: even before Joseph reveals himself to his brothers, their true conversion takes place, the cleansing of their long-standing guilt against their brother. In the incident with the cup they see that "God is showing their wrongdoing"; the consciousness of this guilt has weighed on them all this time, and they are ready to see the finger of God in this "miraculous" event. And here the brothers' catharsis takes place: their sense of guilt is transformed into active repentance. On behalf of them all, Judah sacrifices himself for the sake of the youngest brother. Here their story is repeated, as it were: then they sold Joseph into slavery, who was also the youngest at that time, and now they are ready to become slaves themselves for Benjamin's salvation. They live through this moment anew, this time truly, and mutual forgiveness and the meeting with the lost brother become possible. God triumphs in the human being, enemies become brothers: this is Sacred History in action, which is possible in all times and in the life of every family.