Thursday of Week 6 – Genesis 9:1-13; Mark 8:27-33

I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Gen 9

After the flood, the earth emerges as a place of new beginnings, and Noah and his descendants receive a blessing from God. God renews His covenant with humanity, offering a fresh opportunity to live in harmony with Him. The most significant moment is the establishment of this covenant, in which God promises never again to destroy the earth with a flood. As a sign of this promise, He provides the rainbow – a beautiful phenomenon that represents His faithfulness and mercy. It serves as a reminder that God never forgets His promises and continually offers hope for new beginnings.

God also highlights the value and sanctity of life, emphasising that humans are created in His image. He makes it clear that the shedding of human blood cannot go unpunished. This is a call to respect life and to take responsibility for one another. In a world rife with violence and injustice, this message remains profoundly relevant. Without recognising the image of God in others and respecting their dignity, we cannot hope for true new beginnings in our lives.