Reflecting on the 13th sunday in ordinary time (part 1)

Where we have come from (readings for Sunday 30th June)

1 Kings 19.15-16, 19-21

Psalm 16

Galatians 5.1, 13-25

Luke 9.51-62

Readings for today

Psalm 140

Genesis 24.34-41, 50-67

1 John 2.7-11

thought for today

I suspect the lectionary compilers want us to think about 'following' today, after the calls to follow in yesterday's old testament and gospel reading. Although this is quite clearly a patriarchal story it is intriguing that Rebekah is given the 'choice' of whether to go with Abraham' servant now or, as originally agreed, or to stay ten days longer which is what her family want. I suspect the expected, even assumed answer that Rebekah was supposed to give was to acceed to family wishes. But instead she says boldly, I will go - and gets away with it! the presence of God is in this encounter, and also a little of rebekah's independent spirit is starting to show.

and there is one more intriguing thing in this story. When Rebekah is brought to meet Isaac, this is the first time he has appeared in the narrative since being set free from impending sacrifice when a ram appeared in a thicket (genesis 22). In between his mother Sarah, with whom he had a special relationship has died and at some point he has exiled himself to Beer Lahai Roi, the well named by his aunt - the slave girl Hagar. After all this, meeting Rebekah 'consoles him'. Love is indeed a powerful thing

Revised Common Lectionary copyright © 1992 Consultation on Common Texts. Used by permission