When we speak, whose voice do we share? Today's first reading highlights the danger of speaking from a bruised ego or following the crowd. Joseph's brothers hated him so much that they could not even greet him (Gn. 37:18). They were jealous of their father's love for him (Gn. 37:3). Each brother's resentment and anger then culminated in a group discussion to kill Joseph (Gn. 37:20). But a little love can crack the toughest barrier. Firstly, Rueben pleaded with his brothers not to kill Joseph (Gn. 37:21), then Judah spoke up to save Joseph from death or being trapped in the cistern (Gn. 37:26). Rueben and Judah's voices changed the group's mentality and intended actions. Today, let us put away any word of death from the crowd or ego, and speak life for all. Lord Jesus, may Your Spirit empower me to rise above my ego or the voice of the crowd, so that I may choose to speak your words of life, love and joy. Amen.