THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
Observe how the favor of God was consistently upon him, and how every action he undertook was imbued with grace. Let us also strive to ensure that we always have the Lord by our side and that He continually blesses our endeavors. Those who are graced with such support can rejoice even amidst adversities, unaffected by their circumstances, for the Lord acts on their behalf, providing comfort and ease; He aids them in all matters, making difficult tasks manageable. So, how can we ensure the Lord’s presence with us and receive His blessings in all our undertakings?
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If we remain vigilant and self-disciplined—if we emulate the purity of this young man along with his other virtues and the steadfastness of his spirit—if we are mindful that all actions must be carried out with diligence, so as not to incur the Lord's disapproval—recognizing that no one can hide from His watchful gaze, and that sinners will undoubtedly face consequences.
Today, we wish to share with you further reflections on the account of Joseph, revisiting what we discussed yesterday. You may recall that our lengthy dialogue yesterday focused on how Joseph was unjustly imprisoned by the chief steward due to the accusations of the Egyptian woman. Today, I will explain what transpired during his confinement. Even while imprisoned and placed in the care of the chief jailer, Joseph experienced remarkable assistance from God, leading the chief jailer to entrust him with complete oversight of the prison. As it is said, "The governor of the prison watched over nothing for the sake of Joseph." Notice how, amid his deep sorrows, he was devoid of despair; the gracious wisdom of God transformed all misfortunes into blessings. Just as a pearl retains its beauty even when buried in mud, virtue displays its strength regardless of the circumstances, whether in captivity, confinement, distress, or joy. Given that the imprisoned Joseph was favored by the chief jailer, receiving authority over all within the prison, we can recognize how the power of his inherent grace was manifested in his life.