"From 'the exclusion from' to 'the sharing of' God's Baraka"

Abstract

Reconciliation is based on a change in the attitude of humans toward one another and toward God. Jacob returns to Canaan to obey an order of God and to fulfill his promise. His encounter with God upsets him. His deference to Esau shows a change of attitude that produces a reciprocal effect on his brother. By sharing his wealth, Jacob recognizes the goodness of God who has filled him, accompanied him on his return and touched Esau to welcome him. Esau, also beneficiary of God's generosity, knows how to forget the past and to show himself in favor of his brother. The two brothers are blessed, and they bless each other. This mutual blessing goes beyond the sharing of material wealth. The forgiveness granted and received constitutes a central piece where each protagonist feels lifted up: Jacob recovers his status of a brother (no longer a target to be destroyed), and Esau’s face reminds the loving face of God. And I think, this is the moment when reconciliation happens between the two brothers. The account of Genesis 32-33 provides us with the (historical) example of a process of reconciliation anchored in a spiritual vision, with the participation of God and human beings. These features of Jacob-Esau process of reconciliation can be built upon to foster reconciliation among the estranged individuals and groups in the Congolese and African context.