Oral Traditions of the Scriptures

Homily for Wednesday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

The first reading for today’s liturgy presents us with the second creation story. It is distinctly different from the story that is told in the first chapter of the Book of Genesis. The Hebrew Scriptures were composed from four different oral traditions. The first story comes from the Priestly tradition while the second comes from the Yahwist tradition. Each of the oral traditions has its own distinctive qualities and vocabulary.

The Priestly tradition, dated to the exilic or post-exilic period (6th-5th century BCE), focuses on ritual, law, and genealogy. It provides a systematic account of Israel's origins. It uses formal, repetitive language and precise chronologies. It includes the first creation account in Genesis and detailed instructions for the tabernacle and sacrificial system. This source emphasizes God's transcendence and the importance of proper worship. It presents a highly structured view of Israelite religion and society.

The Yahwist tradition, dated to around 950 BCE, is characterized by its use of the divine name Yahweh (YHWH). It presents God in anthropomorphic terms and focuses on the southern kingdom of Judah. Its narrative style is vivid and dramatic. It includes well-known stories like the Garden of Eden and Noah's Ark. This source emphasizes the relationship between God and humanity, often portraying direct divine interventions in human affairs. It also includes the notion of the corrupt nature of the human experience.

The long list of sins Jesus shares as examples can either harm or destroy relationships. In the second creation story which we hear today, we hear of the Lord giving the first commandment to humans. We know what happens next. Original Sin entered the world through pride and disobedience causing a fracture in our relationship with God. We are blessed with the grace of baptism to wash away the sin, but Jesus calls us to be continuously attentive to what is within our hearts. He wants us to avoid occasions where we could hurt others or ourselves.

As we continue our liturgy, let us consider what is in our hearts. Let us make them ready to receive the Body and Blood of Jesus in our communion this morning. God is visiting us in this Sacrament. May God find hearts filled with love for both God and neighbor.