Biblical Reflection (2): Genesis 12-22, The Cycle of Abraham
Genesis Chapter 12 to 22 is about the “Cycle of Abraham,” which describes how Abraham was the chosen one by God, with whom He would establish the covenant (CCC 72), and the strong faith demonstrated by Abraham throughout the chapters.
“By faith, Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place which he was to receive as an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was to go. By faith, he lived as a stranger and pilgrim in the promised land. By faith, Sarah was given to conceive the son of the promise. And by faith Abraham offered his only son in sacrifice” (CCC 145).
Although Abraham was not perfect and continued to sin against God, i.e. endangerment of Sarah in foreign countries by saying that she was his sister (Gen 12 & 20); listening to Sarah and took Hagar as wife (Gen 16) in order to produce a heir even when God had already promised him an heir (Gen 15); parting with Lot (Gen 13); allowing Sarah to torment Hagar (Gen 16), God was still accompanying and teaching Abraham step by step to fulfil his salvation plan for humanity. This was “because Abraham believed in God and walked in his presence and in covenant with him” (CCC 2571).
Abraham’s heart was “entirely submissive to the Word” (CCC 2570) and he “obeyed in faith” which made him the “model of such obedience” (CCC 144). Not only was such obedience, total submission and faith pleasing to God, Abraham was also “rewarded” by God with greater and greater blessing and promises each time, i.e. God blessed him with a great nation (Gen 12) to “multiply your descendants” and “by your descendants shall all the nations of the earth bless themselves” (Gen 22). Because Abraham embraced these divine blessings, that the history of salvation is inaugurated (CCC 1080).
Therefore, by faith, Abraham was recognised as the “the father of all believers” (CCC 1080) and “witness of faith” (CCC 165). These were also the admirable virtues that God valued in Abraham that are an invitation for us even in present times.
This article was written by Joni Cheng.
Published on O Clarim, October 27, 2017
Published on Regnum Christi Live, November 19, 2017