Reflection for Thursday, April 2nd 2020

Today's Readings: Look Them Up!
First Reading:  Genesis 17:3-9
Psalm 105
Gospel:  John 8:51-59

In today's Old Testament reading, God has made a covenant with Abram. Covenants are different from contracts.  Contracts reflect an exchange of goods or services.  Covenants make families!  So in making a covenant with Abram, God and Abram became family.  God's part in the covenant was 1) to give Abram and his descendants the gift of the land of Canaan, which became Israel, 2) to give Abram many descendants, 3) and to bless all nations of the world through Abram and his descendants.  The covenant promise of Abram and his descendants was to keep the covenant with God and never worship any other god.

Notice that while making the covenant with Abram, God changed Abram's name to Abraham.  The name Abram means 'father'.  The name Abraham means 'father of a multitude'.  By having a family relationship with God, God changed Abraham's name, and God changed Abraham's essence.  Abraham was now part of God's family.

Covenants in the Old Testament were a foreshadowing of Sacraments.  Just like a Covenant made people part of God's family and changed their essence, Sacraments do the same.  Each Sacrament that we receive brings us closer into relationship with God, and makes us even more a part of His family.  At Confirmation, we chose a name that reflects our 'essence'.  What is your Confirmation name?  How did you choose it?  

Here's something to do..... look up the Saint who's name you chose at Confirmation, and reflect on who that holy person is and what their essence is.

May God strengthen your essence today, and may you constantly be aware of God's presence in your life.

In Christ's Peace...

Carol Mullins