Sunday 1st March – 2^nd Sunday of Lent

Reflection: Genesis 22:1-2, 9-18

PROMPT OBEDIENCE

“Abraham’s blessings are mine. Alleluia!” Thus goes a song many of us are familiar with. Indeed the blessings God pronounced on Abraham were tremendous and everyone desires to share in such great blessings. But have you ever wondered what attracted such blessing from God? Are we not often unwilling to pay the price Abraham, our father in faith, paid by his absolute trust and prompt obedience to God?

After waiting twenty-five years for the fulfillment of God’s promise concerning his son, Isaac, God wanted the child back as a burnt offering. This must have been a very difficult time for Abraham. What would be your response had you been in Abraham’s shoes? Many of us, though recognizing that the instruction came from God, would have found every reason to convince ourselves that it was the devil’s trick and busied ourselves rebuking the devil rather than obeying God. But what was Abraham’s response? That of prompt obedience (Gen 22:3). It is this prompt obedience that earned Abraham such great blessings from God – blessings that are truly ours, children of Abraham by covenant (Gen 22:18).

Beloved, you too are faced with choices each day – either to obey God or to yield to your own whims and desires. Sometimes, obeying God is pleasant and easy; other times it is out rightly unpleasant and difficult; yet it is only through obedience that we can find lasting peace. Can you hear that still small voice speaking to you about a particular situation? Are you listening to what God is saying to you through Scriptures or those around you? Prompt obedience opens the door to blessings, healing, and upliftment (Deut. 28:1-15).

PRAYER: Dear father, please grant me the grace of prompt obedience to your leading; remove every faithlessness and hard heartedness in me. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 471 – Why is Abraham a model of prayer?

Abraham listened to God. He was willing to set out for wherever God commanded and to do what God willed. By his listening and his readiness to make a new start, he is a model for our prayer.

HIDE A TREASURE: “Love the Lord your God and always obey all his laws.” Deuteronomy 11:1 GNB

Today’s Readings: Genesis 22:1-2, 9-18: Psalm 116:10, 15-19; Romans 8:31-34; Mark 9:2-10