Saturday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Blessing Stolen, Blessing Restored
The story of Jacob and Rebekah’s deception of Isaac is a little humorous but quite naughty. A mother conspires against her elder son; the younger son lies to his blind father; and a blessing is stolen—or so it seems. We could rightly ask: how could God work through such trickery?
This story reminds us that God’s purposes are not thwarted by human scheming. It is commonly said that God can write straight with crooked lines, and Jacob’s deceit is no exception. Yet, it was through Jacob that God’s covenant with Abraham would continue. God promised that Abraham would become the father of many nations, and it was Jacob who had twelve sons (and at least one daughter!), which became the twelve tribes of Israel.
God is faithful, even when we are not. Through our brokenness, the Lord brings about blessing—not because of our cunning, but because of his grace.
For the Journey:
Ask yourself: in what ways have I deceived others? How have I deceived myself? Look in the mirror today and ask God to show you how He sees you.
Reflection by Br. Luke Kral, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections