Genesis 43:29Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Even though He was crucified by their assembly, His love for them endures, as they are from the same lineage, even if their realization of the source of their salvation comes late. However, in recognizing their sins, they struggle to believe that Christ's mercy is vast enough to absolve and forgive their transgressions. The patriarchs served as their divine prototypes, as they would become in time. They received the gracious invitation and were called to partake in the feast of salvation, yet they were wary of the false accusations and deceptions that had been set before them.

Joseph raised his gaze and spotted Benjamin, his brother, the son of his mother. The moral lesson reveals that those we hold dear are recognized more readily, as our eyes are drawn first to those our souls are inclined towards. Typically, when our minds are absorbed in other matters, we overlook those right in front of us. Guided by the soul, our attention is drawn forth. Thus, Joseph saw his beloved brother Benjamin, whom he held in his heart and sought with his eyes. As Benjamin was absent, Joseph could hardly perceive his brothers; seeing them felt futile in his longing. Not content solely with sight, Joseph feigned ignorance and asked, "Is this your younger brother?" Love naturally directs not just our vision but also our words to those we cherish. Although Joseph recognized his beloved brother, he wanted to hear his name spoken; without waiting for an answer, he offered his blessing and was filled with emotion at the fulfillment of his wish. Deep inside, he felt the injustice of waiting to embrace the brother he longed for. Finally, he withdrew to a private chamber, weeping, washing his face, and regaining composure. Great love pierces the heart swiftly when the reins of desire slacken. Joseph was overwhelmed by his emotions while reason held him back, resulting in an inner struggle. He wept to extinguish the flame of divine love with his tears.

This conveys a moral understanding but also carries a deeper mystery. The Lord Jesus observed Paul, "for the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous" (Psalms 33:16), and said, "Is this your lesser brother?" The term "lesser" designates someone who has yet to attain the maturity of honorable faith or has not yet matured into a perfected believer, as he himself noted, "until we all attain to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood" (Eph. 4:13). He was referred to as a young man when he guarded the clothes of those who stoned Stephen (See Acts 7:58). Thus, he urged Philemon to emulate not his youth but his wisdom, saying, "I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprisonment" (Philemon 1:10). He counsels against receiving younger widows not due to their age but to a certain carelessness that can accompany immaturity in virtue (See 1 Tim. 5:11). Nonetheless, chastity in a young man is more commendable than in an older individual. It is fair to assert that, even though Paul experienced amazement and dread at his own blindness, he approached and asked, "Lord, what do you want me to do?" (Acts 9:6). Accordingly, Christ referred to him as the least, so that for one called to grace, the guilt acquired in youthful indiscretions might be forgiven. Thus, Christ saw him when divine light shone upon him (Acts 9:3), and recognizing that the young are often deterred from vice through fear rather than reason, He gently encouraged him to withstand the temptations that lay ahead (Acts 9:5).