Our subject of study is chapter 39, of the book of Genesis. The brothers of Joseph, son of Jacob, sold him to the merchants bound for Egypt. Potiphar, an official in Pharaoh's court bought Joseph. Impressed by his good behaviour, Potiphar appointed him overseer of his household and all his possessions. Potiphar's wife became enamoured of Joseph's excellent physique and handsome appearance. She tempted him to lie with her. But Joseph did not yield to her. One day, seeing that no one was in the vicinity, she caught hold of his garment and repeated her request. Joseph left his garment in her hands and fled out of the house. The wicked woman falsely accused Joseph of assaulting her and got him imprisoned.

What factors made Joseph reject sin? It is often reported in Genesis chapter 39 (2,3,21,23) that "The Lord was with Joseph". Joseph was always aware of the presence of God within him. He knew that it was God's arms that supported him in failure as well as success. That was why Joseph was able to steer clear of despair in adversity and pride in prosperity. This attitude of Joseph's must guide us and turn us away from sin. May St Paul's words always remain with us "...God's temple is holy, and that temple you are" (1 Cor 3:17). "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God?" (1 Cor 6:19). When God abides in us, when the Blessed Trinity is dwelling within us, how can we surrender ourselves to sin? How can temptation conquer us when we are certain that God will not abandon us in the adversities of life but will strengthen and support us?

Another factor that turned Joseph away from sin was the thought of the degradation and the fearsome nature of sin. To the wife of Potiphar who enticed him to sin, he says, "(My master) is not greater in this house than I am, nor has he kept back anything from me except yourself, because you are his wife.How then could I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?" (Gen. 39:9) Joseph understood that to desire and experience a pleasure prohibited by God, was a very base thing and a sin against God. I must glorify God who gives me nothing but good. I do this by obeying his holy laws. Through sin I upset the plans of God who is my Creator and Protector. This is a vile act on my part. Therefore, I will not submit to sin whatever be the temptation or however strong it may be. I cannot even think of it. If we must think like Joseph, the love of God must burn within us. This love of God must be ten times stronger than the desire to commit sin. We must remember the boundless love and mercy of God towards us and make a return of that love by doing only what is good. The thought of the terrible evil that sin is and the destruction it creates in us and others, must help us to run away from sin. It was Joseph's master's wife who tempted him to sin. If he agreed to yeild to her, he might have received more recognition and favours. If he refused, he would have to incur that woman's disfavour. He knew it. Yet he was not ready to offend God. How commendable are Joseph's brave ideals and purity of character!

Still another factor that saved Joseph from falling into sin, was the fact that he deliberately avoided the occasions of sin. "And although she spoke to Joseph day after day, he would not consent to lie beside her or to be with her"(39:10). Since there was the possibility of succumbing to sin if he became intimate with her, he avoided a close relationship or excessive friendship with her. Often do we not sin because we do not avoid the circumstances that lead us to it? Those who constantly look at or read pornographic pictures or books, often commit such immoral acts. We frequently see people who take refuge in alcoholism or immorality in order to escape from restlessness or difficulties.

Let us remember the words of our Lord. "The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the son has a place there forever" (Jn 8:35). The way to keep free from falling into sin is to avoid the occasions that lead us to it. If persons, things, circumstances, particular times etc. become occasions of sin, we should be able to stay away from them with courage and a firm determination.

We see yet another thing in the life of Joseph. Though he did only what was most pleasing to God, suffering abounded in his life. It was imprisonment that Joseph had to suffer as a result of the false accusations made by Potiphar's wife. "Joseph's master took him and put him into the prison, the place where the king's prisoners were confined; he remained there in prison"(39:20). We may wonder why God did not work a miracle and save his dear servant. It is here that we see the difference between God's plans and our ways if thinking "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord"(Is 55:8). We react impulsively. We desire that good should repay good, and evil should repay evil immediately. We are not ready to wait patiently. But God's work-style is so different! we should be able to understand that and surrender ourselves fully to him. This is what Joseph's life teaches us. Joseph had the conviction that God was with him in the loneliness and isolation of the prison. "We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who, are called according to his purpose" (Rom 8:28). This is what Joseph's example illustrates. When we too make many sacrifices, pray and try to avoid sin and its occasions, we may have to suffer unexpected allegations and still more temptations. Let us not lose courage in such circumstances. Rather, let us firmly believe in God and depend on his Providence and be rooted in good. Victory is certain.