Tag Archives: Abraham

WAITING ON THE LORD

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Thursday 25th June – Thursday of week 12 of the year

Reflection: Genesis 16:1-12, 15-16

WAITING ON THE LORD

“To wait on the Lord, is not as important as what we do while waiting.” God made a covenant with our father Abraham to give him an heir of his own (Gen 15:4-5). After ten years in the Promised Land, Sarah thought of a way out and she gave out her servant Hagar as a concubine to Abraham. However, God’s plan of an heir for Abraham was to be fulfilled through Sarah. The result of their impatience was more trouble to contend with. Dear friends in Christ, we are not oblivious of God’s promises for us, nor are we ignorant of His good plans in store for us, however, we often lose patience while waiting.

Patience is not passivity, but a strong endurance in the face of seeming defeat and disappointment; it is a refusal to be crushed by the blow of circumstances. “He who believes, does not hasten,” and “In our patience, we must learn to possess our souls.” Possession of soul describes the state in which a person has full command and undisturbed enjoyment of himself in opposition to outside influences, which disturb and decompose his peace of mind.

The Angel of the Lord told Hagar, “Go back to your mistress and submit to her.” This is the word of the Lord for so many that suffer injustice, not because tyranny is just but because we too, need to be freed from our arrogance. It is true that we are worth more than what society offers us, but if, through our circumstances, the Lord humiliates us, let us trust Him, knowing that such humiliation will prepare us for a greater mission. Patience in the face of injustice is not a sign of weakness. Every man has a soul to save, but this cannot be done without steadfast loyalty to the highest and the best. Patience then, is a submissive waiting. In the words of St. Theresa of Avila, “Patience attains all that it strives for.” Dear friends, let those who trust in God, wait on Him and possess their souls while waiting.

PRAYER: Lord, please grant me the virtue of patience and the grace to be obedient and to trust you wholeheartedly. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 311 – What are the fruits of the Holy Spirit?

The fruits of the Holy Spirit are charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control, and chastity (cf. Gal 5:22-23). In the fruits of the Holy Spirit, the world can see what becomes of people who let themselves be adopted, led, and completely formed by God. The fruits of the Holy Spirit show that God really plays a role in the life of Christians

HIDE A TREASURE: “Since this is a vision for an appointed time; it will not fail but will be fulfilled in due time. If it delays, wait for it, for it will come and not be deferred.” Habakkuk 2:3 CCB

Today’s Readings: Genesis 16:1-12, 15-16, Psalm 106:1-5, Matthew 7:21-29

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THE EVIDENCE OF FAITH

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Monday 22nd June – Monday of week 12 of the year

Reflection: Genesis 12: 1-9

THE EVIDENCE OF FAITH

Man generally feels secure with the familiar; with the unknown comes some degree of uneasiness. To move from certainty to uncertainty would undoubtedly provoke some fears. However, the ability to act on our convictions, despite our fears is what truly stands us out. Abraham is widely acclaimed as the Father of Faith; today’s first reading illustrates a major attribute that stands him out – obedience.  He was a man that demonstrated his trust in the Lord through uncommon acts of obedience (Genesis 12: 1-9; Genesis 22: 1-19). He left the comfort and security of his father’s house for an unknown destination purely out of faith in the Lord.

Beloved in Christ, again and again we sing that song: “Abraham’s blessings are mine..;” we claim the heritage and blessings of Abraham; we profess our faith in God and affirm ourselves to be His children but how obedient are we to Him? Is our obedience hinged on convenience or conviction? Is our obedience partial or complete? Do we delay or are we prompt to obey the leading of the Holy Spirit?

As the body is dead without the spirit, so is our faith dead without work (James 2:26). The works we do must express our obedience to the Lord’s precepts; ones that bring Him glory (Matthew 5: 16). Otherwise, our faith cannot be said to be genuine and it stands no chance of leading us to heaven (Matthew 7: 21-23).

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, make me obedient to your ways grant me the courage to stay on your path. Open my ears to hear your voice and follow your commands. Sing Catholic Hymn 61

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 49: Does God guide the world and my life?

Yes, but in a mysterious way; God guides everything along paths that only he knows, leading it to its perfection. At no point in time does something that he has created fall out of his hands.
God influences both the great events of history and also the little events of our personal life, without reducing our freedom or making us mere marionettes in his eternal plans…

HIDE A TREASURE: “The Lord takes care of those who obey him, and the land will be theirs forever. They will not suffer when times are bad; they will have enough in time of famine” Psalm 37:18-19 GNB

Today’s Readings: Genesis 12:1-9; Psalm 33:12-13, 18-.22; Matthew 7:1-5

PROMPT OBEDIENCE

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Sunday 1st March – 2nd 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