The Jesse Tree Series: The Promise: Thursday of the First Week of Advent.

THE JESSE TREE SERIES

The Promise: Thursday of the First Week of Advent.

What does Thursday of the first week of Advent entail for our Jesse Tree:

THE PROMISE.

SCRIPTURE: Gen 12:1-7,15:1-6

Chapter 12 and Chapter 15 of Genesis is the story of the call of Abraham

Long ago God called a nomad in Mesopotamia: he had to leave his land accompanied by his barren wife, his family, his slaves and his flocks.  A numerous posterity was promised to this old man, Abraham and his barren wife; there was promised to this nomad a land overflowing with milk and honey.

In obedience of faith Abraham responded to this call of God; he took the risk implied in all true faith. He left his country and threw himself into the uncertain existence.  Without concerning himself whether he was wise in the world’s eyes, he left for the unknown in the obscurity of faith, entrusting himself to God alone who would be his guide,’ hoping against hope in unfailing faith.’ It is not only descent from Abraham according to the flesh and circumcision (as the Jews thought), but unconditional trust in God, which makes true sons and daughters of Abraham.  He is not only the ancestor of Israel; he is also the father of a multitude of peoples, both Jews and pagans. Roman 4 supports this view.  Also, in the Eucharistic prayer at Mass, Abraham is acknowledged as ‘our father in faith’.

We might be tempted to think that this chapter has little relevance to us today. Some might think that to leave everything is not prudent and to trust in God’s promise like Abraham is just plain foolish.

However, this is one of the challenges of the Gospel if we are to be an authentic disciple of Jesus. We are asked to make this act of trust in God each day in every decision we make.  We are called to move from our comfort zones and put our trust in God.  It is not easy, yet essential for our spiritual and temporal well-being. 

The other aspect of this chapter that needs to be highlighted is that Abraham, although he said yes to God’s call, he kept acknowledging God in each part of the journey. He prayed.  Prayer and trust are vital ingredients and both need to be nurtured.  Putting God as number one in one’s life is essential in every way. So also, is trust in God, since the power of evil lurks also to distract us, to make us feel discouraged or fearful.  Satan knows our weakness and knows how to manipulate us. God’s power is stronger, so let us stand on the power of God and place our trust and our life to Him.    

When God call Abraham, he goes forth as the Lord had told him.  His heart is entirely submissive to the Word and so he obeys.  Such attentiveness of the heart, whose decisions are made according to God’s will, is essential to prayer; while the words used count only in relation to it.  Abraham’s prayer is expressed first by deeds: a man of silence, he constructs an altar to the Lord at each stage of his journey.  Only later does Abraham’s first prayer in words appear: a veiled complaint reminding God of his promises, which seem unfulfilled.  One aspect of the drama of prayer appears from the beginning: the test of faith in the fidelity of God. 

Later in Genesis, because of Abraham’s belief in God and his walk in his presence and in the covenant with him, he is ready to welcome a mysterious Guest into his tent. Abraham’s remarkable hospitality at Mamre foreshadows the annunciation of the true Son of the promise.  After, that, once God had confided his plan, Abraham’s heart is attuned to his Lord’ compassion for humanity and he dares to intercede for them with bold confidence.

So what about us?  Are our hearts filled with the Lord’s compassion sufficiently to intercede with bold confidence like Abraham?

What about our prayer life? How has it grown over the years- over the last twelve months.  We are now in the season of Advent and Christmas is approaching and soon will with us.  Why not be committed to prayer by ‘building an altar to the Lord’, be more submissive to the Word and by the penance (deeds) we choose show that we belong to the Lord. It is a challenge. Let us enter into the drama of prayer head on this week. 

May your Advent be a blessed time for you. 

CHAPTER 15

Abraham’s faith is put to the test, the promises are a long time being fulfilled. When Abraham and his wife who are both advanced in age, God renews the promise and seals it by a Covenant. According to ancient Covenant rites, those involved passed between the bleeding victims and called down upon themselves a similar fate if they broke their pledge.  Under the symbol of fire, it is Yahweh (God) who passes and He passes alone, for his covenant is a unilateral pact, a divine initiative.

Abraham faith is a firm confidence in a promise which, humanly speaking cannot be realized.  God gives him the credit for this action.  Abraham is justified, he is made just and holy by this faith, which directs his conduct and is his principle of action.

What happens to us when God puts our faith to the test?  Do we think that the promises of God are not being fulfilled for us?  Are we ready to throw in the towel with God?

There are many ways we can enliven our faith- prayer is essential- that dialogue with God regularly provides the opportunity for us to be open to what God is saying and for Him to nourish our faith.  But we must also enliven our faith and know it intensely if we are going to be able to live by its principles.

In some parishes there is a resource library with books and videos and tapes on faith related matters. Why not take up the challenge of identifying some area of faith that you want to understand more and be like Abraham and seek answers.

Let us all keep nourishing our faith, seek answers and understanding and live by our principles of faith during this week.

Why not set your faith on fire and make a covenant with the Lord on this issue.

THE PERSON:Abraham

In Eucharistic Prayer no 1, Abraham is referred to as 'our father in Faith'.Let us look at Abraham’s response since he is our father in faith.  He dialogues with God, asking questions and seeks answers. But he does not doubt, even though he does not understand how God’s promises can be fulfilled to him.  His faith therefore calls him into action and he lives by that faith.

God also asks us to have faith in Him, to trust Him and know that all is well. He also asks us to live in faith and for that faith to be alive and active.

THE EVENT/THEME: THE PROMISE: During our reflection time today, let us ponder on the gift of faith. We may wish to

1.            Offer a prayer of petition: asking God to strengthen our faith, relying on that if our faith is the size of a mustard seed, God can increase its size and quality.

2.            Rediscover: Reflect on the unique call God has given  each person and rediscover God's meaning and purpose in this call.

3.            Make a practical commitment: As today's theme is the Promise, we may wish to ponder on our vocation and the promise we made to God to fulfil His will in our lives. We may wish to renew our commitment of our vocation whether it be single, religious, priesthood or married. For example, married couples may wish to renew their promise (vows) to each other, reviewing their relationship and making a commitment to grow in one area during this Advent Season, Religious and priests may also wish to renew their vows to God, whilst singles may wish to initiate a faith based prayer group, providing opportunities to support those who are tested in their faith..

SYMBOL 5: THE FIELD OF STARS OR THE TENT IN THE WILDERNESS.

The field of stars symbolises the descendants of Abraham and the blessings he has received for putting his faith in the Lord.  We are those descendants who through Christ are also children of Abraham.  Abraham is our father in faith.