At a recent high school reunion, a classmate asked, "What are you up to these days, Suzanne?" I told her about my busy family life in Charlotte and then added, "I also went back for a Ph.D. a bit later in life and now teach religion at Queens." Her reply: "Of course you do!" Though she wasn't a particularly close friend, she recognized in hindsight the interests and traits from adolescence that led organically to my academic career.
Anyone who's watched a child grow into adulthood can trace her core traits back to earliest days. The toddler who smiles winsomely at the camera may well end up in sales. The quiet preschooler who loves to do puzzles may be a research scientist, an engineer, or an accountant. The one who loves all spherical objects may become a sports broadcaster. The reasonable, verbal child will probably go to law school. And the religious intellectual high schooler will get a Ph.D. in religion.
In today's reading, we look in on Jacob's last words to each of his sons. And while on one level, this text represents a hind-sight account of the origins of the legendary "twelve tribes of Israel," on another level, it's about a father in his sunset days simply describing his kids for who they are and, as a result, what they'll become.
Not that the review is altogether positive. There's "unstable" Reuben (49:4), lethally angry Simeon and Levi (49:6-7), and Dan, the judging, passive aggressive one (49:17). On the other hand, Jacob pronounces rosier outlooks for both Judah (49:8-12) and Joseph (49:22-26). What are we to make of these differing destinies? Perhaps they offer an invitation to reflect not just on others' innate tendencies and paths but also on our own. Sometimes, just waking up to our strengths and vulnerabilities can alter, even if in inches, the destiny that lies before us. Something to think about, anyway.
- What is your view of "destiny"? What kind of destiny lies before you? Why do you think so?
- Has anyone ever given you the gift of honest description of your own strengths and vulnerabilities? How did that affect you?
- What other details did you notice in today's reading?
Prayer: It's hard to see the long view of our own lives, O God. Open us to new insights about ourselves that will make a difference for good in our world. Amen.
Breath Prayer: Blessing each one // with a suitable blessing.
