[This weekend’s] readings for the second Sunday of Lent remind me of the constant back and forth between longing and doubt. In the first reading from the book of Genesis, God promises Abram descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky. Imagine being shown a future so bright, one literally promised to you by God. Abram immediately puts his trust in the Lord but expresses some doubt. ‘O Lord God, 'he asked, ‘How am I to know that I possess it?’ The Lord asks Abram for an offering, to bring him a heifer, a she-goat, a ram, a turtledove, and a pigeon and so he does. And he waited and waited and waited for the Lord, until the sun was about to set and a ‘trance fell upon Abram and a deep terrifying darkness enveloped him.’ I picture myself as Abram here, on the cusp of something great, something the Lord had promised me. But, as time goes on and on, and it gets colder and darker, my enthusiasm for that something great wanes. Doubt grows. And I think of Abram sitting in that terrible darkness, unable to see what was coming but believing in God and choosing to stay. Would I have stayed? I’d like to say yes, but I’m not sure.
--Vivian Cabrera
Image source: Br. Robert Lentz, OFM, Children of Abraham. Note that Jews, Christians, and Muslims all consider Abraham to be their father in faith, and a throng of these children crowd onto his lap. The Arabic Inscription reads, "Abraham, the Friend of God," which is how Muslims often refer to him. The Hebrew inscription is taken from Genesis and reads "Abraham, the Father of many Nations." https://trinitystores.com/products/wood-plaque-children-abraham-r-lentz?srsltid=AfmBOor1SLxYRBtz8Q2vqRZmZ_QEl9fL87r8yzk559d9rwSdXSTiBCx_
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