01/07/2023

Being alive at the time of Abraham meant so many different things in different places and for different people. Abraham  had been given that name by God  thus revealing not only Himself to Abraham but also revealing Abraham to his own personal role in History. 

From the time of Abraham mankind has been able to begin to understand what "life" is all about. Abraham's nomadic life was lived in the deserts of the Middle East which, at that time was one of the regions of the world well populated with urban life, as was China, India, South -East Asia, that had been well organised and is God's Providence for all mankind but which had been unrevealed since the time of the flood and the new beginning from Noah.

Deserts are still empty places on earth and there is a marked absence of trees. Any one who has travelled  off-road through the deserts of the Middle East is aware that any bit of shade at noon to be unoccupied by  herdsmen or other travellers is indeed a rarity. Three travellers are hospitably received by Abraham into the welcoming shade of the Oak at Mamre and God's Providence is revealed as the third beginning for Mankind's life on earth.

The History of the Jewish People is their start stop relationship with God, revelation followed by unrighteousness itself followed by renewal led by Prophets who were inspired by God. Jesus is our final prophet. He himself lived in a far different world than did Abraham but emphasised that God's Law as revealed to Moses and perfected by himself, Son of God, is the way, the truth and the life that will enable each one of us to become the person that is known by Father, Son and Holy Spirit as was Abraham under the Oak at Mamre.

Being alive in the "busyness" of modern times curtails so much of the prayerfulness that Jesus "Could you not watch one hour with me" tells us that is the "better part". I missed my morning meditation yesterday because I was taken up with a dispute about an invoice for a boiler replacement. I don't feel devastated by that but know that I could have been better employed in prayer.

Dear Lord as I grow weaker in body and mind let my soul know that your Love is always here to guide me. Welcoming your Grace into my heart and always being both aware and thankful for the gift of life lived in family love without hardship should be my main concern but often is forgotten. May Mary's prayers bring our Church back to her loving faithfulness that was with you and your disciples as they fulfilled the promises made to Abraham.