Breaking the Word

12^th Week in Ord. Time, Wednesday – 28^th 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.

12^th Week in Ord. Time, Tuesday – 27^th 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.