In Old Testament readings this week, Joseph encounters and forgives his brothers, who had sold him like chattel and told their father that he had died. With God’s help, Joseph went from slave to prisoner to Pharaoh’s right-hand man. In His expanding ministry, Jesus sent the Twelve to proclaim the Kingdom of God at hand and heal in His name. Taking no provisions with them, the Disciples had to believe that they would find welcome. If persecuted, Jesus said they should rely on the Holy Spirit to tell them what to say and then head out of town. On our earthly journey, what kinds of excess baggage would we need to leave behind in order to arrive unencumbered at heaven’s gate?