It is difficult to read the first reading without seeing a humorous take, like musing on the difficulties of polygamy, or on the fact that Abram, the prospective Abraham, the father of believers, is also the father of the Arabic world. The whole account sounds as if could fit nicely with some of Flannery O’Connor’s insightful tales.
So, what is one to draw from this hassle of events – tragedies mixed with comedies – in Abraham’s life? Is it not that God’s promise to him will ultimately be realized, and that all these snags simply put that promise into clearer focus?
Jesus in today’s Gospel seems to translates the same message for me. “It is only if you do the will of my Father that you enter the kingdom of heaven, which is my design for you,” he says.
Then he adds: “Look back to the events – some painful, some joyful, some humorous – that have brought you to where you are now. Do you see God’s hand in them?” It is an assurance He’s there now and there he’ll be until that day when you’ll be able to sit and exchange anecdotes with Sarah, Agar, and Abraham.