12th Week in Ord. Time, Tuesday – 27th June 2023 – Genesis 13,2.5-18; Mt 7,6.12-14
Doublets of Generosity
In the first reading, Abram and his nephew Lot have left their home land in Ur and Haran. They arrive in the land of Canaan. Their combined possessions of herds and livestocks, silver and gold, were so great that the land they occupied could not support both of them together. The region around Bethel and Ai did not have enough water or pasture for such large flocks and herds. The result was that quarrels broke out between each one’s herdsmen for grazing. Once disputes arise between Abram’s shepherds and those of Lot, Abram decides that he and Lot must separate. Abram gives his young nephew the opportunity to choose which area he would like to use for himself and his herds. Lot wants to have more fertile land on the Jordan plain. Lot chooses a life of ease but in a region where immorality flourishes; for this he will be heavily punished. But, Abram remains in the hill country, the leftover of Lot. In being generous to his nephew, Abram is blessed by God by a renewal of the promises God has already made – a vast number of descendants and a vast land. Abram is gracious to his younger kin in much the same way that God has been gracious to Abram. Because of this, God renews and enlarges the promises made to Abram.
