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This resource relating to Genesis 32:22-30 provides a poem by Emily Dickinson (1830-1886) highlighting Jacob's wrestling with God and a poem by Rainer Maria Rilke (1875-1926) highlighting the growth that can result from defeat.
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Lectionary:
Narrative Lectionary
Source:
Englewood Review
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Full Text:
*** Narrative Lectionary ***
Lectionary Reading:
Genesis 32:22-30
CLASSIC POEM:
A Little East of Jordan
Emily Dickinson
A little East of Jordan,
Evangelists record,
A Gymnast and an Angel
Did wrestle long and hard—
Till morning touching mountain—
And Jacob, waxing strong,
The Angel begged permission
To Breakfast—to return—
Not so, said cunning Jacob!
‘I will not let thee go
Except thou bless me’—Stranger!
The which acceded to—
Light swung the silver fleeces
‘Peniel’ Hills beyond,
And the bewildered Gymnast
Found he had worsted God!
*** This poem is in the public domain,
and may be read in a live-streamed worship service.
CONTEMPORARY POEM:
The Man Watching
Ranier Maria Rilke
SNIPPET:
…
When we win it’s with small things,
and the triumph itself makes us small.
What is extraordinary and eternal
does not want to be bent by us.
…
[ READ THE FULL POEM ]
Content Type:
Key Scriptures:
Genesis 32:22-30
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Non English Resource:
Narrative lectionary week:
NL203 Jacob Wrestles God
Date:
Monday, September 18, 2023