Homily: Fourteenth Thursday of Ordinary Time

Fourteenth Thursday of Ordinary Time (Gen. 22:1b-19) “Is it About Obedience or Trust?”

Everyone has a Biblical story that troubles them. This is a story that I can’t understand. If we believe in an all-loving God why would that God, ask Abraham to sacrifice his son? If we believe that God was Abraham’s friend would God have asked Abraham to sacrifice his son. This does not seem to make sense.

Does this reading speak of the obedience of Abraham or does it make a point about the trust that Abraham and Isaac had in God. I think it would be the latter.

Abraham and God had been in dialogue about an heir for Abraham for a long time. Abraham had laughed at God when God told him he was going to be a parent. Abraham and Sarah had waited until they were in their 90’s for God to fulfill the promise that was made concerning a son that would be the father of many nations.

After all that had gone before was God going to snuff out the life of the heir. Perhaps Abraham had learned that he should never disbelieve what God told him. The impossible was possible with the Lord.

Perhaps Abraham new in his heart of hearts that God would never let him kill his son. Maybe he felt if the life of Isaac was snuffed out it would be restored instantaneously. Isaac was too important in salvation history to die as a boy before his full potential could be realized.

Abraham’s actions show the trust that he had learned by dealing with God. He is always called our Father in the faith. This does not just reflect a biological reality, but this title reflects a spiritual reality. Abraham’s faith was weak at the beginning of his walk with God, but over time his faith had solidified. It was rock solid. Nothing could shake it and that is what this story reminds us.

Often, we all question God. We say we have faith, but then some challenges come our way and we question God. Most of the time, our worries are unfounded. Do we learn over time that God wants only the best for us. Abraham learned to trust God implicitly, can we?

Reflection Questions:

1.    Do I distrust God? Or do I trust that God will always help me in times of need?

2.   Can I remember five times when my doubts have been unfounded? What does this tell me?

 Dear Parishioners,

           Vacation Bible School is coming next week. We would like to have more children sign up. There is plenty of room. If you have a grandchild or a neighbor that might enjoy this program, please contact Debbie at our office.

          Would you like to do some Adult Education? There will be another opportunity to sign up for GoodNewsPeople this weekend. This is an opportunity to join a small group discussion. If you have some free time, take advantage of this opportunity to grow in faith.

          May Our Lady pray for us,

          Fr. Mark