Word of Life

By: Adrian Mathew Reviewed by: Fr, Trevor D’souza OFM Article 12 - Summary of the Book of Genesis Disclaimer – The following article is meant for educational purposes only and not for any commercial purpose. The word “Genesis” comes from the Greek word ‘geneseos’ which means birth or origin. The Book explains the origin of the world and Israel’s place in it. Genesis narrates sacred history from its commencement at the time of creation and rounds it off with the account of the Israelites’ descent into Egypt. In its rich theological theme, the Book points to the true God who created the heavens, the earth and all that’s in the universe and thereby dethroning all false claimants to divinity. Nothing in this world is god and nothing in this world deserves worship but all of creation comes from the true God, bears witness to God and is under the aegis of the true God. We human beings are the stewards of this creation. The Book is divided into two parts : - Primeval History (Chapters 1-11)

By Adrian Mathew Reviewed by Fr. Trevor Dsouza OFM Disclaimer – The following article is meant for educational purposes only and not for any commercial purpose. Introduction: The Joseph Cycle, spanning from Genesis chapters 37 to 50, is a compelling and enduring narrative that captivates readers with its themes of resilience, redemption, and divine providence. The story of Joseph, the favoured son of Jacob and Rachel, is one that resonates across cultures and beliefs, offering profound insights into the human experience. In this article, we will delve into the details of the Joseph Cycle and explore the timeless lessons it imparts. I. Joseph's Early Life ( Genesis 37 ) The Joseph Cycle begins with Joseph's introduction as the young and favoured son of Jacob and Rachel. He is gifted a "coat of many colours," symbolizing his father's preference and love. However, this favouritism leads to jealousy and animosity among Joseph's ten older brothers. The theme of fa

By Adrian Mathew Reviewed by Fr. Trevor Dsouza Disclaimer – The following article is meant for educational purposes only and not for any commercial purpose. The book of Genesis is filled with captivating stories of faith, family, and divine encounters, and one of its most notable narratives is the Jacob Cycle, which spans from Genesis 25 to 35. This cycle chronicles the life of Jacob, a pivotal figure in the history of Israel and a character known for his complex and transformative journey. In this article, we will explore the key events and themes within the Jacob Cycle, shedding light on the significance of this saga of birthright, deceit, and divine transformation. The Birthright and Blessing: ( Genesis 25:19-24; 27:1-40 )  The Jacob Cycle commences with the birth of Jacob and his twin brother Esau. The twins' dynamic is set from the very beginning. It is noted that the two babies struggle within Rebekah's womb. This prenatal conflict is symbolic of the future rivalry betwe

Disclaimer – The following article is meant for educational purposes only and not for any commercial purpose.   By Emmanuel Gomes Edited by Fr Trevor D'Souza, OFM In our previous article , we discussed on the literary structure of Genesis 12-50 which consists of Patriarchal History. We also discussed one of the three promises God made to Abraham - the promise of a great nation ( Genesis 15 ). In this article, we will discuss the remaining two promises or covenants God established with Abraham - The Great Name and the Covenant of Circumcision ( Genesis 17 )  Universal Blessing and the Sacrifice of Isaac ( Genesis 22 ) The Great Name and the Covenant of Circumcision ( Genesis 17 ) Before we go into the covenant, we must understand what “Great Name” means. "Great name" was associated with kingship in the ancient Near East, as can be seen from the inscription from Shamshi-Adad I, king of Assyria, ca. 1800 B.C: "I erected a stela in my great name in the land of Lebanon,