In the Genesis reading, we hear about how Isaac and his wife Rebekah engage with parenthood after fertility struggles. Sadly, even disappointingly, once children are born we hear how Isaac has not learned from his own family of origin about the importance of cultivating a good relationship between siblings. From Matthew’s Gospel we hear about various ways in which the growth of God’s good news within and between people can be hindered. In both stories, we are reminded that life goes on: growth can and does take place. What change and growth have you experienced in your life? What has aided it? What has made it difficult?