# The sign of the covenant: reflections on the first Sunday of Lent
*2015-02-21*

> Bill Young reflects on the covenant between God and Noah through the symbol of the rainbow and how that hope extends to the New Covenant and the RCIA process.

## The Symbol of the Rainbow

Today is the first Sunday of Lent. We are reading from a book called The Way of Faith 2015, focusing on Genesis 9:8-15. This passage describes the covenant God established with Noah, his sons, and all living creatures. The rainbow serves as the sign of this covenant, a promise that the earth will never again be destroyed by a flood. Whenever I see a rainbow, I look at it with amazement and wonder if it is a sign God is trying to tell me something.

## Reflections on Faith and Prosperity

A few weeks ago, I saw a beautiful rainbow right outside the ticket office where I work. That happened to be the evening Joel Osteen was in town. I have always had some issues with him because he has a beautiful house and drives a Ferrari, and it makes me think of the scriptures where Jesus tells us to follow Him and drop everything—like the young man who couldn't do so because of his wealth. However, I also remember when the apostles were upset that people outside their group were performing miracles, and Jesus told them that those people were still talking to God. In that light, I see Mr. Osteen as a very positive, motivated speaker, and the people attending his show are generally good, positive Christians.

## The Covenant in Genesis

In Genesis 9:8-15, God says to Noah and his sons, 'As for me, I am establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you, and with every living creature that is with you... I am establishing the covenant with you, that never again shall all the flesh be cut off by the waters of a flood.' God explains that the rainbow set in the clouds is the sign of this covenant for all future generations. When the bow appears, God remembers the covenant between Himself and every living creature.

## From the Old Covenant to the New

Scientifically, we know a rainbow occurs when light is reflected and refracted in water droplets, but despite that knowledge, we are still fascinated by this beauty. Our ancestors in faith interpreted the rainbow as God's divine bow. While Noah and his sons knew God's presence through this sign, we are people of the New Covenant, sealed by the death and resurrection of Christ. 

As we move through the Lenten season, the Church sees signs of hope in the catechumens who are chosen in the Rite of Election. The hope that flows from the heart of Jesus into the elect impels the Church to embrace them for the Easter sacraments. Just as people get excited about seeing a rainbow, the Church rejoices in these new members who will soon take their place at the table.

*Just as the rainbow was a stunning sign of God's promise to Noah, the Church finds a similar sign of hope and joy in the new members preparing for the Easter sacraments.*