ABRAHAM’S FAITH TESTED

ISAAC, THE “REWARD OF

FAITH,” BECOMES NOW THE “TEST OF THE SAME FAITH”

This is a true story told by one of the first missionaries to enter Russia..

In Russia, where freedom to worship was declared against the law, many Christians were forced to get together I secret to worship the Lord. One group of Christians was gathered together in a simple house, studying the Bible, when suddenly the door was thrown open violently and three Russian soldiers burst in with rifles. One of the soldiers bellowed out that anyone who was not a Christian could leave immediately, but anyone who had come to worship God should stay.

After a moment of silence, many of the people filed out of the house, leaving a few people behind. One of the soldiers closed the door behind them and locked it; then, the soldiers all put down the rifles and explained to the remaining few that they also were Christians, but they only wanted to worship with true believers.

Could you pass such a test of your faith?

• What do you think of this story?

• If you were one of the characters in the story, would you be one of those who fled and left the house of prayer or would you have stayed?

1. Have you ever had a problem or a struggle in your life which you recently encountered but unsuccessfully resolved?

2. Did it ever occur to you to give up when, after giving your best, the results you desired did not happen?

3. In your most difficult times, did you ever doubt God’s love for you?

4. In your trial and difficulties, did your faith in God grow stronger? Or did you find yourself doubting God altogether?

A story is told about a devout Christian in a small town.

Mang Juan was rather bullheaded and noted for his physical strength. When a flood hit their place, he climbed to the roof of his house. Rescuers came but Mang Juan ignored them and refused their help. “No, thanks, I have faith in the Lord. He will save me.”

The rains continued and Mang Juan scrambled to the edge of the edge of the roof. Another boat came by to save him, but he waved it off, professing his faith in the Lord.

When the floodwater rose to where he stood, he clambered up the chimney and a helicopter swooped down to save him. But still, he begged off, trusting in God’s providence.PoorMang Juan drowned.

When he stood before the Lord, he complained, “Lord, I had such faith in you. Why did you fail me?”

The Lord reprimanded him and said, “What more did you want? I sent you two boats and a helicopter! But you refused to use them!”

Adapted from “The Rescue Boats,” Stories of Life and Laughter by Fr. Bel San Luis, SVD

Many times when trials and crises strike us, we unknowingly challenge God’s providence for us. As such, we fail to recognize the signs of God’s love or kagandahangloob. Are we too like Mang Juan in our lives?

GENESIS 22: 1-18

Points for reflection…..

1. Why was Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac the greatest expression of Abraham’s faith?

2. Explain how Isaac, who was the “reward of faith”, became the “test of the same faith” of his father, Abraham.

3. Why do some of us find it difficult to give our total yes to God?

4. Is it possible for us to think of God’s kagandahang loob even in times of our greatest trials and sufferings? Why/why not?

Look into your inner self and make an

inventory of those for which you, as a

student, can say yes to God and give a

concrete example of each. You may use any representation for your answers.

YES TO

BY _________

BY __________

BY _________

• Abraham’s faith in God’s faithfulness was put to test in God’s demand for the sacrifice of his only son. The test strengthened and deepened his faith commitment to God.

• The only sacrifice that is truly acceptable to God is the offering of oneself with complete faith and trust in the firmness of God’s promise.

• Faith is basically a response of gratitude to God’s love and goodness.