In today’s reading, the famine prophesied by Joseph afflicts Egypt and all the lands of the region. Jacob sends his sons into Egypt to buy food, where they encounter Joseph disguised and unrecognizable. They bow themselves in obeisance to him unawares, fulfilling the prophetic dreams Joseph had years earlier. Joseph deceives them until he can no longer bear it, and reveals his identity, reuniting with his brethren in reconciliation. Joseph commands his brethren to return to fetch Jacob and the entire clan of the Hebrews, and bring them into Egypt for refuge from the famine, with Pharaoh’s blessing. Joseph’s sons tell Jacob that Joseph is not only alive and well, but governor of all the land of Egypt. Jacob is overwhelmed by the revelation, and resolves to see his son again before he dies.

Into/Outro music: "Unexpectedly" (c) 1995 Alex Grant Used by permission