Sacrifice what?

What a gift a child is! Today’s reading in the Jesse Tree tradition continues with Abraham. This time it’s not about his call to detach from his possessions but from his child. He’s called to sacrifice his only son, Isaac. What? Think about that. If someone told me God was calling them to sacrifice their son, I’d think they’d gone mad.

Step out

My first thought is this verse is about stepping out in faith. It’s about discerning God’s will and doing it even when it’s difficult. Even when we’re called to give up something to which we have an attachment – a toxic/unhealthy relationship or a possession which leads us to sin.

Return the gift

The other thing that struck me as I read this verse is the fact that our children are not our own – they are pure gift from God. They are “on loan” from God and it’s up to parents to lead them back to God. Abraham was willing to offer Isaac. We too are called to offer our children to God – through baptism and the sacraments. We are called to properly equip them with the armor of God – the armor they need to combat evil.

The verse ends with: “on the mountain, the Lord will provide.” What mountain? On the mountain of grace God will provide. There are so many opportunities for us to be filled with His grace. The sacraments, prayer, adoration, the rosary are all ways to be filled. Teach the children, lead them. The world needs more grace and light. Sacrifice your time, offer them back to God as Abraham did. God bless you.