The reading for Sunday, January 15, 2023 , is Genesis 47 - 50 & Exodus 1

 Today's reading: Genesis 47 - 50 & Exodus 1

I am definitely noticing that these Sunday readings are long ones! Here we move from Genesis to Exodus. 

As Jacob blesses each of his sons near the end of his life I find this an odd custom. It must have been a custom as Isaac also blessed Jacob & Esau. 

Also, it says that Jacob is telling his sons what will happen to them in the days to come. How did he know? Is it accurate? Also, what is the meaning of blessing here? Rueben's, because he slept with his father's concubine, doesn't sound like a blessing to me. 

As I look at the time frame for the mourning of the death of Jacob, I am so saddened by the American response to death. Often, if a workplace gives bereavement it's only 3 days. There is a general feeling of we must get back to work and forge on. Grief doesn't work like that. Sometimes it's okay to be busy, but it's also okay to mourn and cry as well. There is no specific time that grief should be "over." Frankly, it doesn't end, it just gets more comfortable to carry in my experience. If grief is preventing you from moving forward in your life a reasonable amount of time, then I would suggest talking with clergy or a therapist. 

Just now, I find it interesting that Joseph tells the very people, his brothers, who threw him in a well and sold him into slavery in Egypt, to carry his bones away from Egypt when they go. 

I love the story of they midwives! These women have names: Shiphrah and Puah. They did as God wanted, not as Pharaoh said. 

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