Thirteenth Thursday of Ordinary Time

Then he reached out and took the knife to slaughter his son. But the LORD’s messenger called to him from heaven, “Abraham, Abraham!” “Here I am,” he answered. “Do not lay your hand on the boy,” said the messenger. “Do not do the least thing to him. I know now how devoted you are to God, since you did not withhold from me your own beloved son.”

We have to be willing to give up what we love for God. God might not ask us to sacrifice in the same way as He did Abraham, but every day He does ask us to sacrifice the things we like and love to do what is right and good. We might have to give up TV or computer time to help a neighbor or listen to someone in need of a friendly ear. We might be asked to pull up our roots and move to a new place in order to follow where we know God is calling us. We might have to fast from fatty or sugary foods to become healthier people. We might have to give up our time, talents, and treasures to the Church or charities in order to make a difference in other people’s lives. Whatever it might be, we must be willing to sacrifice everything we hold dear to do God’s Will. Then and only then, will we prove that we are truly devoted to God.

Are we willing to give up what we love for God? How can we develop the habit of putting God’s Will before our own? What sacrifices is God asking us to make today?

O Lord, give us the devotion to withhold nothing from you.

Amen.