In the first reading of today from Gen 27,1-5; 15-29, “the blessing episode”, Isaac makes known to Esau, his first-born son, his plans to give him his last blessing. But Isaac’s wife Rebekah who overheard the conversation puts a counterplan in motion whereby Jacob, the second-born, disguises himself as Esau and acquires the blessing instead. The story presents a number of questions and moral issues. Thus, I find the entire Esau-Jacob narrative inspiring for meditation and reflection.
Apart from the problematic moral issues and interpretations that arise from the blessing episode in Genesis, I wish to devote some time to what I consider the heart of the narrative, namely, the blessing. The whole plot of the narrative centers on one major thing – the blessing that Isaac was to give before his death. Isaac, the father of Esau and Jacob, attached significance to the blessing. It should be given after a delightful meal. It is indeed a delightful act that brings a lot of grace and gifts with it. We can also understand the delightfulness of the blessing given the efforts Rebekah put in to divert it to her favorite child. She knew Isaac was approaching his last days and stayed watchful so as not to let the time pass her by. Hence, she put in all the craft: clothed Jacob in Esau’s best clothing, with animal hairs and was quick to get the meal ready, all due to the delightfulness of the blessing.
Being Ready for The New Things That God Is Doing
In the Gospel (Mt 9,14-17), Jesus compares himself with the bridegroom and his presence at a wedding feast. He told his disciples that there is no need to mourn or to be unruly in the presence of the bridegroom and in the course of the wedding feast. No, there is time for fasting and mourning and that would be when the bridegroom is not there.
But Jesus, in whom God’s kingdom became real on earth, is always with us and thus the time of mourning is far behind us. God is doing new things – Fresh wine in new wineskin. Often, we prefer to remain in our small world and fail to open ourselves to the great things God is doing. God’s kingdom is truly in our midst. He is making all things new every day. Just as Jesus warns us not to put new wines in old skins. We waste so much time and energy feeling sorry for the missed opportunities of the past or getting anxious about our failures and the future. Yet the present is all we possess. New wine in new wineskins.
We have no right to act unjustly or falsely, yet we do need to realise that good things can come from the mistaken actions. True change is never easy, but it would be more unprofitable to try to avoid it by changing only the appearances. Jesus is warning us to be open to what is taking place around us. We must be open to change and to things: Whether it be the action of someone who deceitfully diverts God’s blessings or clinging to our decisions irrespective of the invitation of God to us to change to newness. We do not put new wines in old wineskins that can be even more harmful than not changing at all.
Some Points for Reflection:
Am I attentive to God’s doings and his plans and blessings for me? Do I make myself available to receive God’s blessings?
Do I sometimes hang on to things that I would be better letting go of, such as worn-out ideas and attitudes that can come between me and my spouse, friends, family, carrier, vocation or even my relationship with God and God’s people?
Do I celebrate God’s kingdom here on earth?
I pray that we may be able to realise God’s grace in our lives so as not live mourning lost blessings. May we live the present with joy and look into the future with hope believing God is with us. Amen.
