Tag: abraham

Abraham the Father of Faith

On By bayuopIn English, Lenten, Ordinary TimeLeave a comment

2nd Sunday of Lent [A]

March 1, 2026

Gen 12:1-4

The first readings of the Sundays of Lent offer us a glimpse into the history of salvation, particularly within the Old Testament. Last Sunday, we encountered Adam and Eve, reflecting on their creation and their eventual fall from grace. Today, we meet Abraham, the first patriarch. But why Abraham?

Abraham’s original name was Abram, which literally means “the exalted father.” For much of his life, this name served as a source of irony, perhaps even mockery, since he was elderly and childless. How could he be an “exalted father” with no children to exalt him? It was then that the Lord appeared to Abram. At seventy-five years old, he received a staggering command: leave his homeland for a faraway territory. With this command came a promise: he would become the father of many nations, and through him, blessings

At first glance, this calling might have seemed like another cruel joke in Abram’s life. Though childless, he lived comfortably among his kinsmen and was set to die in his homeland under the protection of familiar “gods.” Yet, the Lord called him out of his comfort zone and into unknown territories where danger and misery often lurked. We cannot know exactly what was in Abram’s mind, but we know his actions: he chose to trust a God he barely knew and put his life on the line. His kinsmen might have thought him delusional or senile. Little did he know that his decision would not only change his life but transform the future of humanity.

Following the Lord is rarely a breeze. While Abram was blessed with great wealth, vast livestock, and hundreds of retainers, even defeating four kings with his 318 trained men (Gen 14). he still lacked a promised heir. When he reached the age of ninety-nine, God changed his name to Abraham, meaning “father of many nations.” Yet, he continued to wait for the one thing that would make that title a reality. Finally, when Abraham was 100 years old, Sarah gave birth to Isaac (Gen 21:5).

However, the story did not end with a simple “happily ever after.” God eventually asked for something unthinkable: that Abraham sacrifice his only son, Isaac (Gen 22). Just as he had obeyed in the beginning, Abraham obeyed again. Fortunately, an angel prevented him from harming Isaac, and the Lord blessed Abraham even more for his faithfulness.

Abraham passed away at the age of 175. While he had other sons, one through Hagar and six through Keturah, their numbers still fell short of the literal “many nations” promised to him. Abraham closed his eyes without seeing the full extent of those nations, yet he did not complain or grow bitter. Abraham was not perfect. At one point, he was dishonest with Pharaoh and acted cowardly by giving up his wife, Sarah, to the King of Egypt (Gen 12:10-20). Yet, despite his imperfections, he fundamentally believed that God would fulfill His word. From Abraham came the Israelites, and from the Israelites, we received Jesus.

Rome

Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

Guide Questions:
In your life right now, what is the “homeland” or comfort zone God might be asking you to leave behind to follow Him more fully? Have you ever felt that God’s promises for your life contradict your current reality? How do you maintain hope when your circumstances seem to “joke” at your faith? How does knowing that God uses imperfect, flawed people to transform the future of humanity change the way you view your own mistakes and shortcomings?

Isaac’s Faith

On By bayuopIn English, LentenLeave a comment

2nd Sunday of Lent [B}

February 25, 2024

Gen 22:1-18

Isaac’s binding is one of the Bible’s most dramatic and intense stories. From this story, the Church sees that Isaac is the type of Christ. Isaac and Jesus were both the sons of the fulfillment of God’s promise. Both were born in the miraculous conditions. Isaac and Jesus were the sacrifices of their fathers. Yet, Isaac’s sacrifice was halted because his sacrifice would be fulfilled in Jesus on the cross. However, though typological analysis is beautiful, some questions remain unanswered. How did Isaac feel when he knew that he was about to sacrifice? Was he forced or freely giving himself? What was his motive?

Whether or not Isaac was forced as a sacrifice revolves around this age during the event. Many imagine that Isaac was still a small child, and thus, Abraham forcibly tied him and made him ready for the sacrifice. Yet, the text suggests that he was no longer a small child because he carried on his shoulder the wood for the sacrifice. Since wood was not for simple fire but a ritual sacrifice, Isaac must have brought a significant amount. Indeed, it was a job for a strong young man. Thus, we can conclude that Isaac was not forced because, as a young man, he had the physical power to resist the aging Abraham. Isaac was freely giving himself as a sacrifice and, perhaps, asked Abraham to bind him.

Yet, the question remains: Why did Isaac feel? Why did he offer himself? Unfortunately, the text of the Bible does not give us a window into Isaac’s heart. Yet, putting ourselves in the place of Isaac, it is not difficult to feel the great distress, sorrow, and fear. He was a young man with many years to come, and yet he was about to lose his life at that moment. He was not only facing death but a violent death. In fact, unlike his father, he had little to ponder about God’s will since he knew about it just a few moments before the sacrifice. Why?

The story usually focuses on the faith of Abraham, who obeyed God’s will and gave up his only son. God Himself blessed Abraham for his steadfast faith (see Gen 22:16-17). Yet, the story is also about Isaac’s faith. In the Bible, Isaac is considered a minor character among Israel’s patriarchs compared to Abraham and Jacob. He has fewer stories and often takes a more passive role. Yet, the story has proved that Isaac is a man of great faith. In fact, without his faith, Abraham would not have received the blessing.

Isaac’s faith is mature and profound. Amid extreme anguish and debilitating fear, he remained steadfast and believed that God would eventually turn things well. His faith also helped him to recognize that his life was a sacrifice to God. As he offered himself as a sacrifice, God’s blessing came to Abraham. Isaac’s faith is not only about ‘believing in God’s existence, not only about passive reception of situations but actively participating in God’s will.

How do we react in the face of uncertain situations and suffering? Fear, anxiety, or anger? What is faith to us? A mere belief in God, a passive surrender to avoidable situations, or proactively seeking God’s will? Do we also offer our lives as sacrifices to God so that others may receive blessings?

Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP