July 16, 2023
Our study of Abraham and his family continues with the story of Esau and Jacob, sons of Isaac and Rebekah. (Genesis 25:19-34) Remember that these were not actual people. These were stories that were passed down for over 5,000 years, told from one generation to the next before the advent of a written language and designed to teach principles of our faith. So far, we have learned of Abraham's covenant with God, evidence of God's desire to be in a relationship with us. We next learned of the role of the Holy Spirit in the selection of Rebekah as a wife for Isaac. What do we learn today?
It is not uncommon for siblings to not get along. The story of Esau and Jacob starts in the womb. God told Rebekah that she would birth two nations. Esau was the first born. He grew to be a skilled hunter and outdoorsman. Jacob is described as a quiet man, living among the tents. They clearly had very different interests and talents. The story continues with Esau trading his right as first born for nourishment, and in Genesis 27, Isaac blesses Jacob believing him to be Esau. After learning of this, Esau hates Jacob, and wishes him dead. (Genesis 27:41). Ultimately, the Jewish nation sprung from Jacob. Esau left and married a Hittite woman, becoming a forefather of the Islamic faith. (Genesis 26:34) But, most importantly, like with the Bible story of Hagar and Ishmael, Jacob's and Esau's offspring were descended from the same God.
Have you ever been estranged from someone you once cared about? How did that feel? God knows that relationships are hard. They can be difficult, and in some cases, even dangerous. God is telling us only to do what we can. Some relationships can never be mended. But as children of the same God, we often can keep lines of communication open, and be willing to explore a level of connection that is available and safe. We also can pray. We always can strive to be people of peace, rather than live in estrangement from those who were once dear to us.
******
Homily summary by Christine Castellano