In Sunday’s first reading Melchizedek, the king of Salem, blesses Abram for routing the kings who plundered goods in the region. Ancient Salem later becomes Jerusalem. The word salem means peace.
The power of Abram’s God to do such great things through humans impresses Melchizedek. He blesses Abram for living in the power of his God. To express gratitude and win Abram’s favor, Melchizedek gives a festive banquet for him. This is the symbolic meaning of the bread and wine he brings forth in the story.
Abram demonstrates he will not use the power of God to get riches for himself. In the verses that follow Sunday’s reading, Abram refuses to take any of the plunder. He gives King Melchizedek a tithe of the booty and the rest to his soldiers.
A Blessing for Abram
Melchizedek, king of Salem, brought out bread and wine, and being a priest of God Most High, he blessed Abram with these words:
“Blessed be Abram by God Most High, the creator of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who delivered your foes into your hand.”
Genesis 14.18-20
- What do you have to be especially thankful for in the celebration of the Eucharistic feast this week? How has God acted in and through you?