Joseph in the Old Testament

We have a good example in Joseph in the Old Testament.  You will remember that Joseph was sold as a slave by his brothers and was taken by some merchants to Egypt where he eventually became governor over the whole land, and in time of famine was made Minister of Food.  But he did not forget his old father, Jacob, whom he had left behind in Palestine.  He sent wagons to bring his father and all his relations into Egypt, and there arranged with Pharaoh for them to live in the part of Egypt that would suit them best.

And when Jacob died in Egypt, Joseph kept his promise to him and took his body into Palestine and buried him in the family tomb at Mamre.  So Joseph remembered his old father for good.

SUMMARY

1. The Fifth Commandment teaches us to love our parents and to show it by being respectful and obedient to them.  To succour means to be quick to help them.

2. We should help them at home now, care for them when they are old, and pray for them every day of our life.