Theological Reflection

Reading: Genesis 25:19-34 -- Jacob and Esau

1) Read.
2) Share the words that you heard or remember.
3) Question asked, "What does this sound like to a 21st Century ear?"
4) Read again.
5)  Create four columns: Action (feelings), Tradition (Episcopal), Culture (media, community), Position ("I believe).  There are no wrong answers, when we do something in a group some people see things diffferently than others.

ACTION What does this world feel like in this story?
home, conflict, jealousy, prophecy, hame, struggle, intense, rivalry, favortism, trickery, guilt, practical versus sacred, birthright, selfishness, generous (pregnancy of two), envy, dualistic, dark and scary, no resolution or forgiveness, despair ("why do I live"), fulfilled, unfulfilled, manipulative, hope, desparate, disappointment, gratitude, relationship with God, greed

TRADITION Other bibilcal stories, hymns, prayers, Prayer Book
Cain and Able, Joseph, Moses, Abraham and Sarah, Ishmael and Isaac, Elizabeth, importanve of geneology, Miraculous birth of Jesus, theme of barren women, Jesus devisisve sayings, apostles competing and jealous, Phillipians 4:7 - Peace that surpasses all undersatnding, Onward Christian Soldiers, Father Abraham, Hymn tune Jerusalem,  temple culture from the New Testament (sacrifcial formula - if/then - manipulative), Jesus and Pharisees sparring with one another, holding things together -- not splitting property.

CULTURE What themes are in culture, television, advertising, that are in this world?
Looking out for number 1, racism, inferiority, superiorty, sexism, homophobia, discrimination, everything has its place, insecurity, class/caste, secularism, competiveness, nuance, immediate gratification, childish, Dowton Abbey, Dallas, merit badges,  Smother's Brothers.

POSITION Take a minute and think about what you would "go to the mat for."
Finish this sentence: I believe...
... greed doesn't get us where we want to be.
... the birthrite tradition is absurd.
... greed comes from vulnerability.
... seeking understanding of the other side, and understand why.
... if your focus is about seeking power, you create different levels of people.
... in charity and giving freely, instead of using disadvantage to gain something.
... in thinking of the long term consequences of your actions.
... in forgiveness.
... that instant gratification is not always the answer.
... you shouldn't go into business with your family.

THIS IS AN ILLUSTRATION of how we can connect scripture to your every day live.  You can apply this to anything (an object, a news headline, a relationship).

Here is a handout from the morning: