# The Sacrifice of Isaac on the Second Sunday of Lent
*2015-02-28*

> Bill Young reflects on Genesis 22, the test of Abraham, and how the story calls us to renew our baptismal commitment during Lent.

## Scripture Reading

After these things God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham,” and he answered, “Here I am.” He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains that I shall show you.” When they came to the place God had shown him, Abraham built an altar, laid the wood, bound his son Isaac, and laid him on the altar. As Abraham reached for the knife, the Angel of the Lord called from heaven, “Abraham, Abraham!” He answered, “Here I am.” The Angel said, “Do not lay a hand on the boy or do anything to harm him. For now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.”

## Abraham’s Faith as a Model

When God changed Abram’s name to Abraham, He also gave him a new purpose. Abraham trusted God wholeheartedly, becoming a model for the three Abrahamic faiths—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. In the Mass we hear of Abraham in the readings and in the Eucharistic prayers, recalling his willingness to surrender everything to God.

## The “Here I Am” Response

Abraham’s repeated answer, “Here I am,” mirrors the response given at ordinations, at the profession of religious life, and at baptism. When a candidate is called by name, he answers, “Present,” signifying a total offering of self to God. Likewise, Abraham’s simple “Here I am” expresses a profound willingness to lay down his life for God.

## Lent and Baptismal Renewal

At baptism, the minister places a white garment on the newly baptized, saying, “You have become a new creation in Christ.” Lent invites us to revisit that baptismal reality, to renew our promise to offer ourselves wholly to God, and to accompany those preparing for baptism.

*The test of Abraham reminds us that true discipleship is a continual, willing offering of ourselves to God, especially during this Lenten season.*