Thursday of the 5th week of Lent year A
Theme: The blessings of Abraham
As Christians and children of God we are privileged people. In the sense that we have a God that is good and faithful to his promises. This fact comes out distinctly in our readings today. Whatever covenant God enters with his people, he will always fulfil. One of such situations that is presented to us today is his covenant with Abraham in today’s 1st reading. In it we see the promise of blessings for Abraham and his descendants, a blessing that goes from generation to generation.
The faithfulness of God to his people is never in Doubt, he is tested and trusted. It is also important on a day like this to reflect about how faithful we are to the promises and covenant we enter with God and one another. We may have entered covenant with God in different ways, especially during the reception of the sacraments, how faithful have you been in keeping your own side of the bargain? One thing that is very sure, is the fact that God has not changed, he faithfully keeps his own side of the covenant he enters with us; just like he did with Abraham and his descendants.
My brothers and sisters in Christ, it is interesting sometimes when people faulter on the promises they have made, to say it was just a promise; forgetting that our word should always be our bond. If you have no plans to keep it, there is no need to make it. Especially when you know from the very beginning that you have no intention of keeping it. We are encouraged today as children of God to emulate God in his faithfulness to his covenant and promises. Abraham made honest effort as a person to be faithful to his covenant with God. In the same way we are all encouraged today to make this possible in our lives as individuals and experience the blessings that emanates from God almighty.
In the gospel reading of today, we see how the Jews misunderstood Jesus and held it against him. It is possible that if they understood the fact that Jesus did not mean that he saw Abraham alive, but rather that he was referring to the descendants of Abraham; they would have acted differently. Sometimes we make the same mistake out of ignorance. It is always good to understand any given situation or issue before we take our stand, lest we make a wrong judgement and end up hurting somebody or some people in the process. A good understanding of any situation will help us to make an informed judgement. As we continue to strive to become the best, we can become, may almighty God bless you in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit. Amen. Peace be with you.