At first glance, today’s reading from the Book of Genesis looks like nothing more than a family reunion. Subtle details, however, ask us to look deeper into the story of this event.
First of all, God speaks to Jacob for a third time. First Jacob had dreamed of a ladder that connected heaven and earth. Next he had struggled with the Lord as he prepared to reunite with his brother Esau. Now, before Jacob and Joseph are reunited, God speaks again and assures Jacob that the promise made so long ago will not be forgotten. He promises Jacob, “Not only will I go down to Egypt with you; I will also bring you back here, after Joseph has closed your eyes."
This assurance can be read in two different ways. The literal meaning of the promise is that Jacob will be buried in Canaan, the land which he has inhabited these many years. However, the promise also looks forward to a day when Israel, the nation or people that has adopted his given name, will also return to their promised land.
Having received these assurances, Jacob is transported by his sons, along with all their possessions to the Land of Goshen where they will settle. The famine that has gripped their lives will be no more, and, for a time, they will prosper in Egypt. The reunion of father and son is emotional as Joseph throws himself into his father’s arms. Their reunion is the “happy ending,” you might say, to their struggle. This struggle is nothing new to Jacob and Joseph, for both of them have struggled against opposing forces throughout their lives.
What lessons are we taught by this scene? First of all, perseverance in the face of difficulties is asked of all of us. God’s promises will be fulfilled in our lives as well after we show our faithfulness in the struggle. Secondly, if we persevere in our covenant relationship, a reunion awaits us as well when we find ourselves in our heavenly homeland, reunited with our loved ones who have gone before us in the presence of God.
Our Eucharist is but a foretaste of that day of reunion when we shall also know the end to our own famine, a famine that has made us hunger for God and God’s heavenly court.
Fr. Lawrence Jagdfeld, O.F.M., Administrator