
Gospel of Mary, saying 42
Zohar, Miketz: Verse 184
תָּא חֲזֵי, יוֹסֵף לֹא דַי לֵיהּ דְּאִיהוּ לָא שַׁלֵּים בִּישָׁא לַאֲחוֹי, אֶלָא דַּעֲבַד עִמְּהוֹן טִיבוּ וּקְשׁוֹט, וְכָךְ אָרְחֵיהוֹן דְּזַכָּאֵי תָּדִיר, בְּגִין דָּא קוּדְשָׁא בְּרִיךְ הוּא חָיֵיס עֲלַיְיהוּ תָּדִיר, בְּעַלְמָא דֵין וּבְעַלְמָא דְאָתֵי
Come and behold, Joseph not only abstained from causing evil to his brothers, he also did kindness and truth by them. This is always the way of the righteous. Therefore, the Holy One, blessed be He, always has compassion for them in this world and the World to Come.
As we delve into this week’s Torah portion, Miketz, we find ourselves confronted with profound themes that resonate deeply within the spiritual journey of humanity. The Zohar, a central text in the mystical tradition, brings forth insights that connect the experiences of Joseph with the deeper, transformative currents of existence. Here, we will explore key aspects of this passage and their implications for our spiritual lives.
Joseph’s Righteousness: A Model of Integrity
At the heart of the Zohar’s commentary is the figure of Joseph, who epitomizes moral integrity and compassion. His story teaches us that true righteousness involves not only refraining from wrongdoing but actively doing good. Joseph rises above grievances with his brothers to foster reconciliation, illustrating how acts of kindness can heal fractured relationships and promote unity within families and communities.
Divine Compassion: The Link Between Actions and Spiritual Journey
The narrative of Joseph highlights a fundamental truth: our actions—whether righteous or not—echo in the cosmos and shape our relationship with the Divine. When individuals align themselves with spiritual principles, as Joseph does, they cultivate a path that influences both their earthly existence and their spiritual journey in the World to Come. This connection emphasizes that righteousness leads to divine compassion, affirming that our deeds matter profoundly.
Transmutation Through Suffering: The Path to Enlightenment
The theme of suffering serves as a crucible for transformation, a concept echoed in the resurrection narrative associated with Christ. Both Joseph and Christ endure profound trials, yet emerge with a deeper wisdom and sense of purpose. This process teaches us that suffering can become a transformative experience, allowing us to channel pain into love and light, ultimately leading to healing and renewal.
The Dichotomy of Light: Embracing Truth
In the Gospel of Mary, we encounter a powerful image of the Anointed’s descent into Hades, illustrating the choice between light and darkness. Some are drawn to the light, representing those eager to embrace divine truth, while others retreat, reflecting the challenge of confronting our own shadows. This dynamic serves as a reminder of the spiritual journey each of us undertakes, as we navigate our fears and resistances in pursuit of healing and redemption.
Justice and Righteousness: A Divine Order Restored
A significant theme within this portion is the relationship between righteousness and justice. The assertion that “justice will always be served” invites us to contemplate the nature of divine justice. Righteous acts not only contribute to personal salvation but also serve as a means to restore balance in the world. Joseph’s judgments in Egypt exemplify this intersection, as they highlight the necessity for justice infused with compassion and understanding.
Miketz: Endings as New Beginnings
The term “Miketz,” meaning “at the end of…,” evokes the cyclical nature of existence. It suggests that every ending can lead to new beginnings, inviting us to embrace transformation. Just as Joseph’s challenges culminate in elevation and reconciliation, so too does the resurrection resonate with the promise of renewal. This reinforces the idea that our struggles can be gateways to enlightenment, inviting us into the light of new possibilities.
Interconnected Themes: Light, Love, and Unity
Finally, the weaving together of these narratives reveals a universal truth: light, love, and truth foster healing and unity, while darkness embodies fear and division. Joseph and Christ serve as archetypes of the lightbearer, inviting us toward compassion and forgiveness. Their stories remind us that love and light have the power to penetrate even the deepest shadows of our experiences.
Conclusion: Embodying Timeless Truths
As we reflect on the teachings of Miketz, we are encouraged to embody these timeless truths in our lives. When we practice righteousness, we illuminate the path not just for ourselves but for those around us. This journey of transformation—of turning endings into beginnings—ultimately ushers in divine compassion and justice. May we take these lessons to heart, striving to be beacons of light in our communities and nurturing the potential for healing and renewal in the world.
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