Homily: Fifth Thursday of Lent

Fifth Thursday of Lent (Gn. 17:3-9) “God is Funny”

The interaction between Abraham and God is much more nuanced than is represented here. God and Abraham have several conversations in the Book of Genesis. The talks they have are not always as reverent as we might think.

 We might remember the conversation that Abraham has with God in Genesis chapter 18. In that conversation Abraham bargains with God for Sodom and Gomorrah. God plans on destroying these two cities, but Abraham argues with God. He asks if God will destroy Sodom and Gomorrah if there are only a few righteous people there.

 God relents of the punishment that is in store for these two cities. We could say that Abraham wins the argument. How confident Abraham seems to be that he is a friend of God. Friends can disagree but remain friends. That is how it is with God and Abraham.

 If we keep reading in the section, we share today we find that Abraham who lies prostrate on the ground before God cannot believe what he is hearing. How could a man who is around 90 have a child he asks?

We picture Abraham rolling on the ground laughing at God. In the end a son is born to Abraham. Abraham laughs at the mercy of God. But God extends his kindness to Abraham, nonetheless.

What is it about God’s mercy that we find hard to believe. We have all done things that are sinful. We might feel like there is no way we can be absolved of the evil things that we have done. Do we even laugh at the thought we could be forgiven?

But if we want forgiveness, forgiveness is ours. We can count on this. God laughs at our lack of trust. God extends his compassion.

Reflection Questions:

1.     Have I ever disbelieved that God could forgive me? When? Why?

2.    Is doubting God a sin? Why or why not?

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Dear Parishioners,

             This weekend we will be celebrating Palm Sunday. There will be outside processions at 4 p.m. Mass on Saturday and at 11 a.m. on Sunday. We will process into the church from the Memorial Garden.

            This is the official beginning of Holy Week. The Palm Sunday Mass is also known as Passion Sunday because we read the Passion account from the Gospel of St. Mark. We participate in this liturgy as we walk with the Lord in his triumph and struggle with him in his suffering.  Come and join us.

            May Our Lady of Sorrows pray for us,

            Fr. Mark