Faith, Hope and Love: Spend 5 with Jesus: January 28, 2023

Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen. Faith, Hope and Love. These are known as the theological virtues. And in today's first reading, faith is highlighted as something quite tremendous. Abraham "went out, not knowing where he was to go." Consider that. He knows God tells him to go out, but he is not sure where he is going. I cannot imagine myself doing that, though I suspect my entry into the Dominicans after having been a diocesan priest could be considered somewhat similar in a small way. Abraham "received power to generate, even though he was past the normal age —and Sarah herself was sterile— for he thought that the one who had made the promise was trustworthy." Because Abraham and Sarah trusted God, something miraculous happened. Abraham trusted enough to offer up Isaac, as he "reasoned that God was able to raise even from the dead, and he received Isaac back as a symbol." What is important to remember, I think, is that this theological virtue is a gift from God. And a gift from God needs to be received and accepted. What gifts are God calling you to accept today? On the friar, you can listen to our homilies (based on the readings of the day) and reflections. You can also ask us to pray for you or to pray for others. You can subscribe to our website to be informed whenever we publish an update.