Today's first reading introduces the man whose descendants will become the nation of Israel, Abraham (or as he is first called, Abram). This man, who was a wealthy patriarch who lived a nomadic life, was approached by God and he responded in faith -- going where God sent him.
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The second selection briefly presents God's promise with Abraham, the covenant between them. God promises the man of faith that, though he is currently childless, he will be the ancestor of a vast number of people -- many nations.
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The other long reading offers the moment when God places new names on Abram and his wife Sarai to mark their participation in God's covenant. It also introduces the physical mark of the covenant that Jewish men would bear from that day even to the 21st century -- circumcision.
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Reading the Bible in Its Entirety
If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Genesis 12-21 today.
