Yesterday was the Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, and the Readings include from the Gospel according to St. Matthew:
the last will be first, and the first will be last.
As we look through the Bible, we see many instances where this saying is apparent.
- Cain and Abel -- Cain was born first and Abel second, but Abel's sacrifice was accepted by God, and Cain's wasn't.
- Ishmael and Isaac -- Ishmael was born first, and Isaac was born second, But Ishmael was born of the slave woman, while Isaac was born of Abraham's wife -- Sarah. It is with Isaac that God maintains his covenant as an everlasting covenant and with Isaac's descendants after him.
- Esau and Jacob -- Esau was the older of the twins, but God told Rebekah "the older will serve the younger." -- Esau sold his birthright to his brother, and by a ruse Jacob received his father's blessing:
- "May God give to you of the dew of the heavens and of the fertility of the earth abundance of grain and wine. May peoples serve you, and nations bow down to you; Be master of your brothers, and may your mother’s sons bow down to you. Cursed be those who curse you, and blessed be those who bless you.”
- The two Commandments on which the whole Law and Prophets rests are:
- You shall love the LORD, your God, with your whole heart, and with your whole being, and with your whole strength.
- You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
The first is from Deuteronomy, or second Law, while the second is from Leviticus, or first Law.
Finally, there is John the Baptist, and Jesus. John was born first from a woman too old to bear children, while Jesus was born second from a Virgin. John is the Voice, while Jesus is the Word made flesh. Jesus is both the first and the last, the alpha and the omega. The way, the truth and the life. The light of the world.
