Msgr. Beaulieu – Readings from Genesis

Feast or Famine – Life or Death

This weekday’s series of passages from the Book of Genesis begins on Monday by recounting the patriarch Jacob’s journey from Beer-sheba to Haran after receiving his father Isaac’s blessing, all the while fleeing the revenge of his brother Esau. During the night, Jacob has a dream of a ladder (Sūllām Yaʿăqōḇ) reaching to heaven with angels ascending and descending (Gen 28:10-22). The Lord stood above the ladder and told Jacob that his children would be as numerous as the dust of the earth and all nations would be blessed through them. This vision is a powerful symbol of God’s connection with humanity and His ongoing involvement in Jacob’s life. Scholars believe the ladder signified the four exiles the Jewish people would suffer before the coming of the Messiah. God, then, reaffirms the covenant with Abraham, promising Jacob land and numerous descendants. Jacob recognizes the divine presence and renames what had been known as Luz and now designated as Bethel, meaning “house of God.” Jacob vows to worship the God of his father Abraham, if God keeps him safe and returns him to Canaan. 

On Tuesday, Jacob begins to prepare to meet his brother Esau after years of separation and deception. Jacob, fearful of Esau’s potential anger, devises strategies for protection and reconciliation, including sending a large gift. The chapter culminates in a mysterious wrestling match between Jacob and a divine being, resulting in his name being changed to Israel and a lasting physical reminder of a limp due to the divine opponent who struck “Jacob’s hip at its socket.” Jacob sought to know the wrestler’s name, but to no avail. The man then declares, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome Given the new name Israel meaning “one who struggles with God”. This signifies Jacob’s transformation and God’s favor. It also marks the beginning of the nation of Israel. He named the place Peniel (or Penuel) though despite seeing God face to face, his life was spared.

Wednesday – Earlier, Pharaoh has two disturbing dreams (Gen 41:17-31) concerning seven healthy cows being devoured by seven gaunt cows, and seven plump ears of grain being swallowed by seven thin, scorched ears. Joseph advises Pharaoh to appoint a wise and discerning man to oversee the land and store a portion of the harvest during the years of plenty to prepare for the famine. Impressed by Joseph’s wisdom, Pharaoh appoints him as the second-in-command of Egypt. Joseph diligently carries out his task, collecting and storing vast amounts of grain during the years of abundance. As the famine worsens, people from all over the world come to Egypt for food, including Joseph’s own brothers. While recognizing them, Joseph “concealed his own identity from them” and put them in a “guardhouse for three days.” The unrecognizable brother engineers a trap – one brother must remain, whereas the others can bring food home to Jacob/Israel, though they must return to Egypt with their youngest brother.

Thursday — Joseph orchestrates a test by having his silver cup secretly placed in Benjamin’s sack. The steward pursues the brothers, accuses them of stealing the cup, and it is found in Benjamin’s sack. Judah makes an emotional plea to Joseph, offering himself as a slave in place of Benjamin to spare their father grief. Finally, unable to control himself any longer, Joseph clears the royal court and tells them, “I am Joseph.” After recounting what they all knew, Joseph added, “It was really for the sake of saving lives that God sent me here ahead of you.”

Friday — Jacob, assured by God in a vision at Beer-sheba, sets out for Egypt with his family and descendants, livestock and their possessions. Israel/Jacob sent Judah ahead of the caravan and Joseph meets his father Jacob in Goshen, and they have an emotional reunion. By settling them all in that locale, it highlights the separation of the Israelites from the Egyptians and their continued distinct identity. These multiple chapters in Genesis highlight the God’s sovereignty and providence, forgiveness and reconciliation, tortured family relationships, and the fulfillment of God’s promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They also foreshadow the future deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt and the coming of the Messiah.