Genesis, Chapter 9, Verse 2
Fear and dread of you shall
come upon all the animals of the earth and all the birds of the air, upon all
the creatures that move about on the ground and all the fishes of the sea; into
your power they are delivered.
After the Flood that
killed all the earth God gives Noah all the animals of the earth for food.
Before the flood animals and humans are depicted as vegetarians. In view of the
human propensity to violence, God changes the original prohibition against
eating meat. However, God did not remake our bodies and many doctors will
recommend a diet that is high in fruits and vegetables and low in meats.
In today’s readings we
read about the grumbling of the Israelite's while they were in the desert with
Moses and God. In the desert there are few things to eat and the Israelite's
were hungry and they complained that they missed the fleshpots of Egypt. God
provided for the Israelite's by giving them bread from heaven “manna” but told
them only to collect enough for one day’s portion as a test of their will and
trust in Him. He asks us to be content with one day’s portion.
Yet, God’s goodness to
the Israelite's continues for in the evening he sends quail as meat to eat. Also
knowing the human condition He asks the Israelite's to collect a double portion
on the 6th day to allow a day of rest. God gives them leisure time
but leisure time is not idle time which creates lethargy and boredom. The seven
day is a Holy Day that should be pleasurable because the rest is earned by hard
work and earnest effort. Without the work the rest means nothing.
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