28th Week in Ord. Time, Friday – 20th October 2023 – Romans 4,1-8; Lk 12,1-7
Model of Rocking Faith
In the first reading, Paul continues his theme about the gratuitous gift of God’s love and salvation through faith for each of us, with a reference to Abraham as an example. He is the ancestor of Jewish people and the ‘Father of nations.’ He is the true example of a ‘justified’ person, who preceded the Mosaic Law and knew nothing of such a law. What made Abraham special was his acceptance of the gift of faith which was offered to him by God. He did not do anything to attain that. He was rewarded purely for his trusting faith in God. He rendered no service and performed no regular ritual that earned credit to his account before God. Actually, Jewish tradition had made him the outstanding example of justification by works. The Jews believed his greatness was in what he achieved. Paul, however, asserts that Abraham’s justification has its source in his faith. It was his belief in God, who had made promises to him, which was credited to him as righteousness.
The story of Abraham gives several examples of his faith and trust. He was first asked to leave his homeland and go to a distant land where his descendants would live, and he did so. Although his wife was well beyond the age for childbearing, God promised that Abraham’s descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky or the grains of sand on the seashore. Abraham put his trust in the Lord’s word and begot a son, Isaac. Then later, God asked Abraham to sacrifice his only son, the only legitimate heir who could give him descendants, and Abraham proceeded to do the Lord’s wish but, once his faith was proved, God stopped him at the last minute. In all these, first Abraham believed firmly, then his actions reflected the faith alive in him for which he was justified.
