April 2/Fifth Thursday of Lent
He remembers forever his covenant which he made binding for a thousand generations –
Which he entered into with Abraham and by his oath to Isaac. ~ Ps 105.8-9
Today let us slip our feet into the worn sandals of Abram, seventy-five years old and a long-time resident of Haran (probably in present-day Turkey). One day, God tells Abram to leave this place to make his way to a destination unknown, to “the land that I will show you.” There is a vague promise of blessings to come, but no official contract, and no guarantees. If we received such an “offer,” we would probably pass it up quickly, citing the press of business, the bonds of family, the needs of the present moment. But this old man did no such thing: “So Abram went,” Genesis 12 tells us, “as the LORD had told him.” Through all that ensued — regional violence and family betrayal, the gift of descendants and sojourn in the promised land — the renamed patriarch Abraham continually, faithfully followed God. And that is what each of us is called to do, too, throughout our lives. As Cardinal John Henry Newman wrote, “For in truth we are not called once only but many times; all though our life Christ is calling us. He called us first in Baptism; but afterwards also; whether we obey His voice or not, He graciously calls us still.” The call of God echoes down through the generations: Abraham was called from his home, Elisha from his farm, Peter from his nets. Like them, each of us is called to leave off what we are doing and to follow God. It is a lifelong task. In order to heed that call, we have to strap on the sandals of faith every day, pick ourselves up, and let God lead us where He will. To give Cardinal Newman the final word, “We are all in course of calling, on and on, from one thing to another, having no resting place, but mounting towards our eternal rest.”
Lord God, whose faithfulness transcends time, Grant that I may be willing to risk everything to follow your lead. Amen.
To hear the Cambridge Singers perform “God Be in My Head,” composed and conducted by John Rutter, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGMcFt61yjo
For today’s reading, click here: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/040220.cfm
Betsy, I have enjoyed and been enriched by your daily Lenten reflections. They are beautifully written and illustrated and always pack a punch. The music attachments are an added bonus. Just want to say thank you and God Bless You.
Thank you so much, Paulette — I appreciate your encouragement.
Betsy,
I have enjoyed your daily posts during Advent and Lent for several years and especially look forward to them during these uncertain times. Thank you for reminding us to stop and listen; and thank you for helping us ‘strap on the sandals of faith every day’! I wish you would do these throughout the year.
Best,
Suzanne
Thank you, Suzanne. I am grateful that these are proving useful.