Week 2: 5–11 January 2025 – God’s Covenant and Jacob’s Journey

Weekly Reading Schedule

• Sunday, 5 January: Genesis 16–19
• Monday, 6 January: Genesis 20–23
• Tuesday, 7 January: Genesis 24–25
• Wednesday, 8 January: Genesis 26–28
• Thursday, 9 January: Genesis 29–30
• Friday, 10 January: Genesis 31–33
• Saturday, 11 January: Genesis 34–36

Overview of the Week

This week’s readings guide us through key moments in the early patriarchal narratives, showing how these foundational stories contribute to the broader narrative of salvation history. We will see God’s faithfulness in His covenant with Abraham, the unfolding of Isaac’s family story, and the dramatic journey of Jacob, whose life is marked by both struggles and blessings. Themes of trust in God, human frailty, and divine providence run throughout these chapters. For instance, Abraham’s trust in God’s promise despite his old age, Sarah’s struggle with impatience leading to the birth of Ishmael, and God’s continued guidance even in times of human failure, all illustrate these themes vividly. You will also encounter the foundations of God’s covenant people, setting the stage for the twelve tribes of Israel.

Daily Summaries

Sunday, 5 January: Genesis 16–19

These chapters cover the birth of Ishmael and the reaffirmation of God’s promise to Abraham and Sarah. Abraham intercedes for Sodom, showcasing his growing relationship with God. We also witness the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and the troubling aftermath of Lot’s escape. Look for themes of mercy and judgment and reflect on Abraham’s trust in God’s promises despite human impatience, such as Sarah and Abraham’s decision regarding Hagar.

Difficult concepts: The destruction of Sodom may raise questions about divine justice. Reflect on God’s mercy in sparing Lot and his family, and consider the Church’s teaching on sin and free will (CCC 1861).

Monday, 6 January: Genesis 20–23

Abraham’s faith is tested as he is commanded to sacrifice Isaac—a prefigurement of Christ’s sacrifice, which is an example of typology, a way in which events in the Old Testament are seen as foreshadowing or pointing towards events in the New Testament. This connection enriches our understanding of Scripture. Before this, we see God protecting Sarah and reaffirming the covenant through the miraculous birth of Isaac. Chapter 23 recounts Sarah’s death and Abraham securing a burial place, symbolising the first claim to the Promised Land.

Reflection: Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, the beloved Son, for our salvation (John 3:16).

Tuesday, 7 January: Genesis 24–25

Isaac marries Rebekah, chosen through Abraham’s servant’s prayerful discernment. God’s providence in their union is clear. The chapter also introduces Jacob and Esau, whose sibling rivalry begins even before their birth.

Key moment: Esau’s impulsive sale of his birthright highlights the importance of valuing God’s blessings and the consequences of short-sighted decisions (CCC 2221).

Wednesday, 8 January: Genesis 26–28

We follow Isaac as God reaffirms His covenant, while Jacob deceives Esau and Isaac to secure the blessing of the firstborn. Jacob’s dream at Bethel reveals God’s continued faithfulness, despite human failings.

Themes to ponder: God works through imperfect people to fulfil His promises. For example, Jacob’s deception of his father Isaac and his conflict with Esau demonstrate his flaws, yet God still uses these actions to further His covenant and bless Jacob. Jacob’s dream of the ladder connecting heaven and earth anticipates Christ, the mediator between God and humanity (John 1:51).

Thursday, 9 January: Genesis 29–30

Jacob’s relationships with Leah and Rachel unfold, marked by rivalry and divine intervention. God blesses Jacob with many children, laying the foundation for the twelve tribes of Israel.

Reflection: Despite human imperfections and conflicts, such as the rivalry between Leah and Rachel or Jacob’s deception of Laban, God’s providence ensures His plan moves forward. Consider how God works in your life, even amid challenges (CCC 302).

Friday, 10 January: Genesis 31–33

Jacob flees from Laban and prepares to face Esau, fearing retribution. At Peniel, Jacob wrestles with a mysterious figure and is renamed Israel, signifying his role in God’s plan. His reunion with Esau reflects themes of forgiveness and reconciliation.

Key insight: Jacob’s struggle with God symbolises the ongoing spiritual journey of believers, who wrestle with faith and ultimately receive God’s blessing. The renaming of Jacob to ‘Israel’ signifies not only his personal transformation but also represents the broader struggle of God’s people to remain faithful amid challenges. The name ‘Israel’ means ‘he struggles with God,’ highlighting the profound and ongoing relationship between God and His people (CCC 2573).

Saturday, 11 January: Genesis 34–36

The narrative turns darker with the story of Dinah and the violent actions of her brothers, Simeon and Levi. Their actions were motivated by a desire to avenge the dishonour brought upon their sister, reflecting the intense familial loyalty and the cultural context of honour and retribution at the time. Despite human failings, God’s covenant continues. The genealogy of Esau concludes the week’s readings, showing the spread of nations.

Reflection: Even in troubling accounts, God’s promise to bless all nations through Abraham remains steady. His covenantal faithfulness calls us to trust His greater plan (CCC 217).

Conclusion

This week’s readings highlight the complexity of human relationships and God’s unwavering faithfulness. Through the lives of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, we see God shaping His covenant people, despite their flaws. Jacob’s transformation into Israel reminds us that our own spiritual journeys involve struggle and grace. In a contemporary context, this struggle might look like dealing with doubts, facing personal setbacks, or striving to live out our faith in challenging circumstances, while grace is found in God’s constant presence and the strength He gives us to persevere.

As we reflect on these patriarchs, let us trust in God’s providence, finding assurance in His eternal plan fulfilled in Christ, the descendant of Abraham, through whom all nations are blessed (Galatians 3:8–9).