It took a year to read the Bible, then almost 9 months to read the Apocrypha. Now, I'm going to try to offer reflections on the Narrative Lectionary. But, I won't be posting daily--at least, for a while.

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Then and Now, a Reflection on Genesis 1:1-5

In the beginning: Chaos, formless, covered with darkness. 


God's spirit sweeps over the waters.


God speaks, and light overcomes darkness.

God enters the world and brings order to it.

Scholars think that this opening chapter of Genesis was written in and after the exile. Israel had been unfaithful, had been defeated by the powerful Babylon. Their life had been disrupted. Their city Jerusalem and their temple in it had been destroyed. Many people had been taken from their homes and sent to live in Babylon. Yet, God can overcome chaos, can bring order to the world.

At the time that Jesus was born, the descendants of those exiles of Israel were living in their homeland, but were under the rule of Rome. Yet, God can overcome. Mark's gospel tells us of God's Spirit over the water and the voice of God affirming the Son.

In our own lives, in our own chaos and darkness, we can still anticipate and recognize God's Spirit. We can still recognize God's words. Light overcomes darkness. God enters the world. God brings order.








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