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A Valentine Story from Genesis - Ancient Biblical Lovers

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Rachel and Jacob get off to a wildly romantic start. It was here at this same well that Jacob's mother, Rebecca, met the servant who would bring her to Jacob's father, Isaac. Unlike Isaac's emissary, however, Jacob has no rings or bracelets to offer; he has no home to bring a bride. All he has to offer is himself with youth, vigor, virility, and generosity in an sudden outburst of love. "Jacob went up and rolled the stone from the well's mouth, and watered the flock of his mother's brother, Laban. Then Jacob kissed Rachel, and wept aloud." (Gen 29:10-11). Apart from the Song of Songs, that kiss is the first and only kiss recorded between a man and a woman in scripture. And what an image is painted of her: "Rachel was graceful and beautiful. Jacob loved Rachel: so he said [to Laban]: "I will serve you seven years for your younger daughter, Rachel"
(Gen 29:17-18). 

Their love story would become complicated, however, by the deception of Laban resulting in Jacob's marrying both sisters, by fertility issues and jealousy between the sisters. Nonetheless, Jacob loves Rachel til his dying day and Rachel is revered even today as mother to all Israel. 

Our Valentine's invitation is to consider and to thank God for the Gift of Passion.

For example:

Thank you, God of Rachel, for the gift of passion,
that unpredictable, divine spark that creates life.
We have felt the leap of that spark within us
and understood that it comes from You,
that it invites us into the life-giving dance of creation.
Thank you for the lives that have sprung from that spark--
our children, our grandchildren,
and the relationships that bind us all to one another.
We have also felt passion fanned into destructive flames of jealousy
when we forget your spark shines within another
Forgive us and remind us that You, our passionate God,
love each of us beyond reason.
Amen.

To learn more about the story of Jacob and Rachel, visit our Purchase Books page on our website and check out Sisters In Scripture which explores the relationships of Biblical Women.You can read a page from the book as well  - the Story of Hagar - The Egyptian Slave. 

Coming VERY SOON!

Witnesses on the Way 
Retreat & Stations of the Cross
Saturday, March 21, 2020

Witnesses on the Way is an interactive Stations of the Cross that uses scripture, reflection, small group discussion, music, movement, and prayer to immerse us into the story through the eyes of those who were there. In the morning, we learn about various biblical characters and then in the afternoon we experience a Way of the Cross that we create and pray together. A day of deep reflection, WITNESSES ON THE WAY is a powerful and prayerful Lenten experience you will never forget. Our retreat will be co-facilitated by Kathleen Kichline, M.Div. and Betsey Beckman, M. M.

For more information, visit our Retreats page. To Register call 360-691-2636 or email Holy Cross Catholic Church in Lake Stevens.  

As always, I love to hear from you.

You can contact me directly at my email.

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