Lent is a penitential season when we’re encouraged to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation: to go to confession. Some people look forward to doing this – others, not so much! Many just don’t think they need to go – for lots of reasons. Don’t plan to celebrate the sacrament this Lent? Here are a dozen reasons you can choose from!
Today’s first reading continues with the accounts in the Book of Genesis. We move from the story of Cain and Abel at the beginning of Genesis 4 to the story of Noah in Genesis 6. Let me fill in the highlights in between. The descendants of Cain are described in terms of violence (Lamech) and yet at the same time as craftsmen, nomads, and minstrels. We also learn that Adam and Eve have another son, Seth, who is described – not in terms of occupation – but in terms of the practice of worshiping God as Seth’s lineage “began to invoke the LORD by name.” (Gen 4:26). Genesis 5 is a genealogy of the generations from Seth to Noah. – and his sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Taking the text literally, between the sin of Cain and the Flood is a period of 1,600 years. Quite a long time to let things play out, so to speak.
In today’s first reading, the brothers Cain and Abel have just brought an offering to the Lord. Abel brought his best lamb to offer to God in sacrifice. Cain brought some of the first fruits of the harvest, but pointedly not the best. “The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not.” (Gen 4:5-6a)
Several commentaries offer that what follows in Genesis 4:6-7 is perhaps the most challenging verse facing translators in the Book of Genesis, or perhaps all of the Hebrew Scriptures. “So, the LORD said to Cain: “Why are you so resentful and crestfallen. If you do well, you can hold up your head; but if not, sin is a demon lurking at the door: his urge is toward you, yet you can be his master.”
In today’s first reading, despite the sin of Adam and Eve, even in the face of its consequences, life goes on. Life will be hard, but God is ever present. And it all started with the tree of good and evil. But here at the end of Genesis 3 the tree of life (Gen 2:16-17) assumes importance. It has not yet functioned as an integral part of the story, but now, because of sin, humanity is denied access to this tree and is expelled from the garden. Humanity is not able to seize the birthright of immortality offered by God. Adam and Eve are expelled from the Garden, cherubim stationed at the gate as guardians of the tree of life to prevent humanity from re-entering the garden. Continue reading
In today’s first reading, we continue the narrative from the Book of Genesis, Chapter 3 – the infamous encounter of Adam and Eve with the serpent in the Garden of Eden. We know the shape of the exchange that concludes: “But the serpent said to the woman: ‘You certainly will not die! No, God knows well that the moment you eat of it your eyes will be opened and you will be like gods who know what is good and what is evil.’” (Gen 3:4-5) And so, Adam and Eve partake of the fruit of the tree of good and evil – and they did not die… not immediately anyway. But evicted from the Garden, in the end they surely died.
Shira Ovide of the New York Times writes a daily newsletter, “On Tech.” It is mostly always interesting and in a non-geek kind of way. Yesterday’s newsletter was interesting because it followed up on something I heard the other days on the radio news – that Apple was considering investing in the electric car market. The final shape/vision of the investment was to be determined, but either way, it was surprising. Seems like a bit of a stretch at first glance. There is the old story of the railroad companies that did not understand their business was transportation, not just railroads and so missed out on automobiles/trucking, airplanes, and the like. Who knows what Apple is thinking? They view their business in ways that have been innovative and profitable. Very profitable.
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t used to be that on my day off I could go to Ft. Desoto (Fla) with my beach chair and umbrella, watch the wind surfers, read a book …. Between dozing off to the sounds of the wind and surf. Thursday is still my one day off each week. Today in the Tampa Bay region temperatures will reach the high 70s. Today in Northern Virginia is it raining with a high of 36 degrees.
People have noted that I post a lot more these days. I refer you to the above paragraph. I have a lot more time and space to muse about things without the siren’s call of the beach… and so I post thoughts complete (or not) here on the blog.
Earlier today I posted a great video from the folks at The Bible Project. The video is part of an on-going series on the nature of God as described in Exodus 34:6-7. Today’s video was on Trusting. Trusting God – or not trusting in God – is a recurring theme in the history of Israel. Like us, it is easy to trust God when things are going well, and when they are not… that’s another story.
Today is the Feast Day of St. Scholastica, the foundress of the Benedictine Order of nuns and the twin sister of St. Benedict of Nursia, founder of the Benedictine Order of brothers. Together they are credited with establishing monasticism in the western world.
It is the first reading today that grabbed my attention. It is from the Old Testament book, The Song of Songs – also known as the Canticle of Canticles. It is a collection of love lyrics, arranged to present an inspired portrayal of ideal human love and a resounding affirmation of the goodness of human sexuality that is applicable to the sacredness and the depth of married union.
One of the descriptions of God that is oft repeated in the Bible is that God is “gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in love and fidelity, continuing his love for a thousand generations” (Ex 34:6-7). Our good friends at The Bible Project have produced an series of videos that explores and explains this simple verse. Today’s installment is “Faithful.” At the bottom of the page who will be able to see the entire series if you would like a refresher or to catch up. Enjoy!
As I always note, the Bible Project is an amazing not-for-profit group that I think worthy of our support for their great work of evangelization.
