Today we begin reading the beautifully poetic account of creation. The purpose of the inspired author was not to present a scientific explanation of the origin of the world. His was a religious purpose. No one should attempt to reconcile the story of Genesis with scientific theories, such as that of evolution, because there simply is no point of comparison. Science attempts to unravel the facts of how the world came to be. Genesis presents the meaning of creation. It does so in a picturesque fasion, suited to the mentality of a people far removed from us in time and culture.

The Israelites were surrounded by pagan people who believed in many and varied gods. Some worshipped the sun, others and moon or other created entities as divine. The Israelites were called to worship the one, true God, a personal God of intelligence and love. Their God was not an object, however awesome, but a person. He was to be worshipped, not his creation, for he was the one who created the sun, the moon and the stars, the plants and all living things. All the good things of the world are but a reflection of God's all powerful goodness. Good things should not replace the cause of goodness, God Himself.

The simple, but beautiful, Book of Genesis should raise our minds and hearts to God the creator. He is a God who is all powerful and who has given us this magnificent world with its many gifts.