If it's true that "life is difficult," it's also true that life's most difficult circumstances sometimes open the way for our deepest joy. Imagine these two brothers who've been enemies since they tussled in their mother's womb. After years apart, they meet again, and no one expects things to go well.
But Jacob bows, Esau sprints toward him, and together they weep over lost years and the power of an embrace. They haven't had the chance to hear Jesus' parable of the prodigal son, but it's as if they anticipate the celebration of the long lost brother who's finally come home (Luke 15:11-32).
What do you see in this moment? I see Jacob, who's made a habit of living as if the end justifies any means, finally chastened, humbled, and utterly at his brother's mercy. I see Esau, who has every right to play the "justice" card and set things straight with a finagling brother, but who says in essence, "it's enough that you've come home." Mostly, I see penetrating glances into each other's aging faces, and the recognition that in that "other" is the very face of God.
When our relationships strain under the weight of our complicated ways, perhaps we can find hope in this gripping story. What if we who have cheated others out of blessings squared up to our unworthiness and approached them in humility? What if we who feel we've been cheated looked that "offender" in the eye and saw not fault but the face of God?
- Have you ever experienced reconciliation when you expected hostility? What made the difference?
- In whom is it most difficult for you to see the face of God today? Consider giving it a try.
- What other details did you notice in today's reading?
Prayer: O God, it's easier for us to fight than to reconcile. Yet you are the one who mends hostilities and restores our peace. Show us the way, today, toward embrace. Amen.
Breath Prayer: Esau ran // to meet him.
