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 Genesis 1-11 provides early history of mankind as a whole. Genesis 12-50 provides the early history of Israel in particular. In the Pentateuch, the two are related in the sense that hope for all people are tied to the promises God makes to them. Genesis 12-50, tells the story of the three great patriarchs - the ancestors of Israel - Abraham, Isaac and Jacob - as well as the twelve sons of Jacob from whom the twelve tribes will descend, especially Joseph. The covenant God establishes with Abraham is passed down to his heirs Isaac and Jacob and ultimately to the twelve tribes. This becomes the foundation for the plan for salvation for mankind. Thus the significance of these Chapters in both historical and theological aspects is immense. Literary Structure of Genesis 12-50 Here, we are dealing with three cycles of the liv