- Genesis 49:2, 8-10
Chapter 49 from Genesis is part of Jacob's testament about the future of his sons, the 12 tribes of Israel. Today's first reading specifically deals with his fourth son Judah, forefather of the house of David and ultimately of Jesus.
But perhaps the best known of Jacob's offspring was Joseph, the son with the many-colored coat who was sold into slavery by his brothers. Joseph's dreams had particularly angered his brothers, especially when his dreams seemed to put him as Lord over them.
It's important to dream (even though it can be risky, as Joseph discovered), especially about yourself and your future. Who are you really? What kind of a persona re you? What hopes are there for you?
You can assess yourself and how you're doing in many ways - through photographs, psychological testing, handwriting analysis, your bank account.
But if you could see yourself with eyes that see what really is there, you would see that you have life coursing through you. You are God's beloved.
This is no dream. It is true.
- Little Blue Book, Diocese of Saginaw