In today’s first reading, Jacob
delivers a rousing speech to his twelve sons. He implores them to accept
and support the leadership of Judah, Jacob’s fourth son.
Why
does Jacob feel that all of his sons, three of whom preceded Judah in
birth, should put aside their own ambitions to help Judah defeat their
enemies?
“The scepter shall never depart from Judah, or the mace
from between his legs, while tribute is brought to him, and he receives
the people's homage."
Jacob understands that God has given Judah
power, as only God can. God’s power must be nurtured, cultivated, and
protected by Judah’s family. He will only remain in power if his family
continues to exalt him.
Jacob also appreciates that a family
divided can never prosper. The Gospel of Mark tells us, “If a house is
divided against itself, that house cannot stand” (Mark 3:25). As human
beings, we are God’s house. We, his children, will never see eye to eye
one hundred percent of the time. However, we must always remain united
in our humanity and God’s instruction that we love one another.
It
is no accident that the word “love” appears 310 times in the Bible (KJV) –
familial love, friendly love, romantic love, and divine love. 1
Corinthians 4:20 states: “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk
but of power.” Jacob reminds his sons – and us all – that to draw upon
God’s love and our love for God’s house is undeniably powerful.
Angel Francis
Director of Major Philanthropy
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