Day 14: Isaac Blesses Jacob

Genesis 27:1-46 With his mother’s help, Jacob tricked Isaac into giving him the blessing intended for Esau. Isaac soon learned of the mistake, but the blessing could not be revoked. The Sacred Author does not take issue with Jacob’s ations; rather, they are treated as PART OF GOD’S PLAN. Though Rebekah used deception in order to advance her favorite son, God brought GOOD OUT OF HER DISHONEST ACTIONS. (CCC 302-303, 312-314, 1671-1673)


Genesis 28:1-22 Just as Abraham had cautioned Isaac, Isaac warned Jacob not to marry a Canaanite woman. As bearer of the covenant God made with Abraham, Isaac intended to keep his descendants faithful to the covenant. Esau, who had already married Canaanite women, overheard this and took one of Ishmael’s daughters as a wife, but it was too late to regain Isaac’s favor. God’s promise to Jacob corresponded to the promises he made to Abraham: Jacob’s descendants would be numerous and inherit the land. Ladder: According to some Church Fathers, this ladder extended from Heaven to earth, representing a link between God and humanity. This dream was completely fulfilled in Christ, true God and true man: “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man” (Jn 1:51). (CCC 2573)


Job 17:1-16 Job was convinced of his righteousness and complained that his affliction gave others, such as his three friends, the wrong impression that he was a sinner. A byword of the peoples: Job had been made a laughingstock. The analogy of Job symbolizing the Jewish people refers to the great sufferings of Israel at the hand of other nations who took great delight in its misfortunes. The Lord complained of this derision on several occasions in Scripture.


Ch 18:1-21 Bildad seemed exasperated that Job would not listen to the wisdom of his friends. He described in poetic form how evildoers lose everything from health and material goods to family and reputation. 


Proverbs 3:1-12 A person possessing true wisdom TRUSTS IN THE LORD. We should petition God habitually for light so we can discern his will and have a disposition of fidelity to his Commandments. The habitual effort to fulfill God’s Law brings TRUE FULFILLMENT. (CCC 216)

(*The Didache Bible RSV-CE Ignatius Edition, 2006)

Key Event 11: Jacob Steals Blessing and Flees (Genesis 27:1-46)

Through deceit, Jacob steals the blessing that belongs to his brother Esau as firstborn. Jacob in turn is deceived when he attempts to marry Rachel but his father-in-law Laban substitutes her older sister Leah. Laban cheats Jacob several times more, eventually causing Jacob to flee back to his homeland.



Prayer by Fr. Mike: "God in Heaven, we thank you. We give you praise and we give you glory. Thank you for giving us your Word and for sharing with us your heart. Because it is your heart that you have revealed to us in this Scripture, in this Word, in your Word. Let our hearts become like yours. Help us to love what you love and to despise what you despise. Help us to live as you have willed us to live and as you have made it possible for us to live by your Grace. May you be glorified in all things this day. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen." 

ANDREW'S PARALLELS

From Esau will come the Edomites, and Herod, the King of the Jews, who will be installed by the Romans. From Jacob will come the Twelve Tribes of Israel, and through Judah will come David, and through David, Jesus the Messianic King.

Interesting that in this episode Jacob is the one who wrongs Esau. Esau will eventually embrace Jacob, but his people, the Edomites, will keep animosity towards the Israelites. It makes me wonder if that history of familial animosity towards Israel affected Herod's fear of losing his throne, particularly to a child that descends from Jacob and came after him.