 In re-reading our text, Genesis 17:15-22, I am amazed at God's patience. God waits while Abraham laughs at the notion that he and Sarah will have a child at their advanced age. Then Abraham suggests to God that the covenant be established through Ishmael. God calmly replies, "No, but your wife Sarah shall bear you a son." So the covenant will be established through Isaac. However, God does not forget Ishmael. "As for Ishmael, I have heard you; I will bless him and make him fruitful and exceedingly numerous."
God does not appear to be offended by Abraham's laughter nor by his suggestion that the covenant be established through Ishmael. He patiently explains that Abraham's legitimate wife, not Hagar, will have a son, as He said all along. It was Sarah who lost patience with God's promise and her infertility. God shows himself more patient than Abraham and Sarah both. For reflection: How and when has God been patient with me? Let us pray. Lord of Patience, thank you for all the occasions that you have been patient with me. . . . Forgive me for all the times I have been impatient with you.
1 Comment
Alice
3/25/2013 10:56:46 am
From Pope Francis on March 25: "Let us think of our personal relationship, in this week: How patient has Jesus been with me in my life? Just this. And then the words will rise from our hearts: 'Thank you, Lord! Thank you for your patience.'" Leave a Reply. |
AliceI started this website and blog on May 1, 2012. I am a Catholic who has been in ministry for many years. I first developed what I would call a close relationship with Jesus in the early 1970s. Ever since then I have been praying with people for healing and other needs. It is because I have seen so many of these prayers answered that I am so bold as to offer to pray for you individually through this website and phone line. Archives
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