12th Week in Ord. Time, Wednesday – 28th June 2023 – Genesis 15,1-12.17-18; Mt 7,15-20
Unilateral Covenant
In the first reading, we read about the first formal covenants between God and Abram and later leading to God and the Israelites. Today’s account of the relationship-covenant portrays the ritual of “cutting” or splitting animals in two. After God completes His prophecy about Abram’s descendants, He returns to the covenant ritual. God’s presence moving between the bisected animals in the form of smoking fire pot and flaming torch. However, fire is often associated with both God’s judgment and His holiness. In addition, these elements of smoke, fire, and the various kinds of animals used for sacrifice under the Law point to God’s future relationship with Israel. In moving between the two halves of the animals, God is apparently finalizing the agreement between Himself and His people through Abram. Scholars suggest that this ritual – passing between the halves of sacrificed animals – was meant to imply a binding oath on those who participated. By walking between the animals, the person was accepting that same fate (being split in two) if they broke their bargain. It is noted that Abram does not pass between the halves – only God does. The promise God has made here is entirely dependent on His will and His work. This covenant, therefore, is unilateral – God was binding Himself to do as He promised no matter what Abram or Abram’s descendants did or did not do.
