Monday, February 8, 2021

 

Monday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

(Genesis 1:1-19; Mark 6:53-56)

As everyone knows, Genesis is the first book of the Old Testament.  But it is not its most important book.  That distinction is reserved for Exodus, the second book of the Bible, at least according to Jews.  Genesis serves a critical purpose, however.  It gives the origins of Israel, whom God made His own people in the exodus from Egypt.  Genesis also shows God as Lord of creation so that His word would be heeded and his help known as irresistible. 

Today’s passage from Genesis shows God making something of the heavens and the earth that He has already created.  First, the vastness of creation needs shape so God’s performs separations.  Light is separated from darkness.  Sky is separated from waters.  And land is separated from sea.  Then God creates plants to fill the earth and luminaries, the sky.  Remarkably, God does everything effortlessly.  All He has to do is say the word, and things fall into being.

God’s creative power reassures us, His people.  The one who created the seas and the stars can help us overcome the challenges we face.  Whether it is to finish some important work, to recover from an illness, or to overcome a temptation, we can call upon God for assistance.

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