July 5, 2007
Thursday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time
“Here are the fire and the wood, but where is the sheep for the burnt offering?” “Son,” Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the sheep for the burnt offering.” Genesis 22:7-8
Why do you harbor evil thoughts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”– he then said to the paralytic, “Rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home.” Matthew 9:4-6
Let us pray: Lord God, you tell us and your servant Abraham to “be not afraid” for you are with us. Help us to stop being anxious and watchful, for you are here with us. Give us the strength that we need. Open our eyes. Use our hands to fill this world with your justice. Hold us in the palm of your hand. Amen.
http://www.usccb.org/nab/070507.shtml
Our lessons in radical obedience continue with the story of Abraham and his beloved son Isaac. This story contrasts with yesterday’s story on the fate of Abraham’s other son, Ishmael, who was driven from the community but had the same promise from God – that he would lead a great nation.
Having lost one son to banishment by his own word, Abraham now faced losing the second son by his own deeds. However, the fates of both sons were connected to the devoted faith and obedience of Abraham to God.
Until the second before he was to thrust the knife into his son, Abraham had faith, knowing that “On the mountain the LORD will see to it that we have something to sacrifice.”
Just like Abraham and Isaac has the wood and the fire, the Lord gives us everything we need to give him praise. Yet he looks to our hearts for the will to follow through on his commands. What will the Lord find when he puts our faith to the test?
What paralyzes you from the loving action Christ asks of his friends? Will you pick up your stretcher and follow his command? Will you leave that which handicaps you from following in His footsteps? Will you rise to the occasion?
Abraham was willing to sacrifice his remaining living son to his faith in God. What are you willing to offer to God and to the community?
Take out your driver’s license. Look to see if you have registered as an organ donor. If you have not, consider doing so today. If you have, ask someone else to consider it.
When your soul joins the Lord in heaven, you will not need your human organs any longer. However, others here will need those. Do you know how long the waiting lists are for critical organs? According to The Living Bank, as of June 5, 2007 there are:
| TOTAL PATIENTS | 96,606 |
| REGISTRANTS FOR A KIDNEY TRANSPLANT | 71,943 |
| REGISTRANTS FOR A PANCREAS TRANSPLANT | 1,671 |
| REGISTRANTS FOR A KIDNEY/PANCREAS TRANSPLANT | 2,340 |
| REGISTRANTS FOR A LIVER TRANSPLANT | 16,836 |
| REGISTRANTS FOR AN INTESTINE TRANSPLANT | 230 |
| REGISTRANTS FOR A HEART TRANSPLANT | 2,730 |
| REGISTRANTS FOR A LUNG TRANSPLANT | 2,725 |
| REGISTRANTS FOR A HEART/LUNG TRANSPLANT | 119 |
You can register as a donor on their web site or with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles at http://www.dmv.state.va.us/webdoc/citizen/drivers/organs.asp. Once you have made your decision, share it with your family so they know your wishes.
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