Tuesday, January 13, 2004
Hilary, Bishop of Poitiers
Kellia: Genesis 32:1-10 Epistle: Hebrews 12:25-26; 13:22-25 Gospel: St. Mark 10:2-12
Genesis 32:1-10 LXX, especially vs. 5, "I sent to tell my
lord Esau, that thy servant might find grace in thy sight." At one time or another, those who
mature and prosper in the Faith confront in themselves profound experiences similar to those that
Jacob tasted at "the Camp of God" (vs. 2): the presence of God, their guilt, and the wondrous
miracle of grace. Those who come late to the Christian life often discover these great spiritual
realities when they receive Baptism or Chrismation.
Most Orthodox Christians do not associate a deep transforming experience with Baptism and
Chrismation, having received the Mystery of Christ early in life. Often, they first discover what
is described in this reading after some grievous sin against a best friend, a loved one, their family,
or community. Then, God prompts them to seek a worthy Priest and to beg "the righteous and
compassionate Judge, remission of sins and grace to sin no more." God would not have us
despair at our failures. Thus, the Orthodox Christian often tastes God's presence, His conviction
of sin, and His mercy to forgive through Confession, a real 'second Baptism.'
Consider Jacob and how his life and experience serve as a type of our Baptism or, better, of our
Confession, the second Baptism. Born the younger of twins, Jacob took advantage of his brother
Esau in a moment of weakness and obtained his birthright (Gen. 25:29-34). Later, through plain
deception, he also stole his brother's rightful blessing (Gen. 27:1-40). Scripture reports that as a
result of this theft, Esau "was angry with Jacob because of the blessing, with which his father
blessed him; and Esau said in his mind, 'Let the days of my father's mourning draw nigh, that I
may slay my brother Jacob'" (Gen. 27:41). Jacob fled for his life, far away to Mesopotamia, to
his mother's brother, Laban (Gen. 28:7).
Jacob spent years in virtual servitude to his uncle far off in the east, but, by the mercy of God, he
prospered despite Laban's efforts to take advantage of his youth and energy. Finally, as the
relationship between Jacob and Laban's family deteriorated because of jealousy, God prompted
Jacob to gather up his wives, his entire household, and his flocks and to return to Palestine,
promising him that He would be with him despite Esau (Gen. 31:3). The account before us
today, begins as Jacob approaches the Jordan river and prepares to cross back into the land of
Canaan, the land promised to his forefathers, Abraham and Isaac.
First, "Jacob departed for his journey; and having looked up, he saw the host of God encamped;
and the angels of God met him" (Gen. 32:1 LXX). With the threat of a potentially deadly
confrontation before him, Jacob met God. What is required for God to break through to our
hearts and minds? Fear can motivate us, as can guilt, or shame, but also the knowledge of God's
promises may create an expectation (Gen. 28:10-17). In the final analysis, meeting with God is a
Mystery, which is what we call Baptism, Chrismation, Confession, and Communion.
The presence of God on the one hand and the approach of Esau on the other hand, drove Jacob to
an awareness of his guilt. This was manifested in his frenzied attempts to manage the coming
confrontation (Gen. 32:3-8). When the presence of God descends upon us, often our first
awareness is guilt, of the wrongs between us and our brother. We struggle to solve the guilt.
Frenetic action does not work for Jacob, nor will it for us. Jacob recalled the grace of God, the
"sufficiency of all the justice and all the truth which Thou hast wrought with Thy servant" (vs.
10). He pleads and receives God's grace, and then, lo, his brother forgives him!
O Lord, we pray for Thy mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, and visitation, according to Thy
great goodness and compassion.
