And He Sent: Reading Rituals
After some sibling back-and-forth during the personal prayers of the congregation, Amara and Chuck prepared for the readings. The Darkness was fascinated by the procession and benedictions preceding the readings, and wondered why God never gave this reverent treatment to his very own Word of God. Now seated, the two siblings looked on at the designated reader.
Now can we spoil ourselves and each other with respect to today's readings?
Just go for the entire sacred text only, Sis; no probing of people's minds or telepathic access to Internet articles or other literature.
Done.
"Jacob sent messengers ahead to his brother Esau," started the designated reader, chanting in the original language.
What can I say about the readings, Brother? They're all too relevant for the two of us, after all!
Thanks for not freaking out this time.
You're most welcome!
"I stayed with Laban and remained until now," chanted the designated reader, in the original language.
So, the amateur trickster was outdone by a bigger trickster?
Yes, but he changed for the better because of the experience.
Aww, it's just like my very own, wonderful trickster-of-a-younger-brother changing because of his Creation's disappointments.
"I send this message to my lord in the hope of gaining your favour," chanted the designated reader, in the original language.
So, the amateur trickster refers to his elder sibling as his lord, and to himself as that lord's servant?
Yes, and what he offered was like my aborted self-imprisonment offer.
"I have seen a divine being face to face, yet my life has been preserved," chanted the designated reader, in the original language.
So, did you go down from Heaven to wrestle with that trickster, or did you send one of your angels?
Did I really do either?
Oh? Do enlighten me.
The wrestler was none other than Esau himself!
So, they did get their one-on-one, in the darkness of night, before reconciling in the light of day!
Indeed. I may have cheated a second time, but we did get our one-on-one then and our tête-à-tête moments since.
Thus, it takes a one-on-one meeting between alienated siblings in order for the elder one to discover and accept that the younger one has changed.
As those in the congregation awaited to listen to the next part, the Darkness and God appreciated the relevance of this ancient story.
