Understanding the Word

By Br. John R. Barker, OFM

The relationship between Abraham and God begins with the  promise of descendants. The son born of the barren Sarah is apparent  proof of God’s trustworthiness. Now the order to sacrifice that son  puts Abraham in a seemingly impossible position. If he disobeys God,  the relationship is over. If he obeys, he puts to death the sign of God’s  trustworthiness, which would also effectively kill the relationship.  Abraham is famously stoic in this scene, and we have no idea what  he is thinking, but his actions imply an incomprehensible trust in  God in the face of this dilemma. Concentrating on the ethically  problematic aspects of the story might lead one to miss what most  ancient readers were able to appreciate, which is the profound trust,  not just obedience, that Abraham manifests by his willingness to  sacrifice Isaac. 

The second reading also treats of the sacrifice of a son. Paul  has been assuring his Roman audience that they are destined for  glory as God’s adopted children in Christ (8:14–22). In fact, God’s  benevolent providence is such that everything can be used to bring  about this divine end; God’s purpose will not be thwarted (8:28).  Because of this, there is nothing to fear. Paul drives this point home  with the example of Jesus. The God who went to such great lengths  for us as to allow the only-begotten Son to be sacrificed will surely  not abandon us; the death of Christ is a sure sign of God’s good  intentions for those who love. Only those who refuse to accept their  inheritance can fail to receive it.

The transfiguration of Jesus takes place six days after he  announced to his disciples that “the Son of Man must suffer greatly  . . . and be killed and rise after three days” (8:31). The experience on  the mountain thus points to the future by displaying the glory that  Jesus already possesses as God’s Son. Although Jesus must suffer  and die, his glorification is assured. Moses and Elijah, both of whom  received a revelation of divine glory on a “high mountain” (Exodus  34:5–9; 1 Kings 19:11–13), represent the law and the prophets, both  of which have prepared the way for the Messiah. The identity and  mission of Christ are confirmed by both God and the Scriptures. 

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