Gen 22:1-2, 9a: Are You a Risk Taker?

Second Sunday of Lent
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By FR. ALFONSE NAZZARO

God put Abraham to the test.  He called to him, "Abraham!"  "Here I am!" he replied.  Then God said:  "Take your son Isaac, your only one, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah.  There you shall offer him up as a holocaust on a height that I will point out to you."

Abraham, the father of risk takers. At the age of 75, God spoke to Abraham and said to him, "Go forth from the land of your kinsfolk and from your father's house to a land that I will show you." 

Abraham didn't say a word, but went as the LORD directed him.  Why?  Because he knew His Father loved him.

Then God took Abraham outside and said, "Look up at the sky and count the stars, if you can.  Just so, shall your descendants be."  Again, Abraham didn't say a word, but believed in what the Father had told him.  Why?  Because he knew his Father loved him. 

Then God put Abraham to the test.  He called to him and said, "Take your son, Isaac, your only son, the son you love with all your heart, soul and mind, and go to the land of Moriah and offer him as a sacrifice for me."  Did Abraham say anything?  Nope.  He did exactly what the Lord commanded him to do.  Why?  Because he knew his Father loved him.

On the third day, Abraham took the wood for the holocaust and laid it on his son Isaac's shoulders, while he himself carried the fire and the knife.  As the two walked on together, Isaac spoke to his father Abraham:  "Father!" he said.  "Yes, son," he replied.  Isaac continued, "Here are the fire and the wood, but where is the sheep for the holocaust?"  "Son," Abraham answered, "God himself will provide the sheep for the holocaust."  Abraham had no idea what he was saying.  But he was entirely correct.  God will provide.

Abraham built an altar and arranged the wood on it.  Next he tied up his son Isaac, and put him on top of the wood on the altar.  Then he reached out and took the knife to slaughter his son.  Did Isaac say anything to his father?  No.  Not a word.  Why?  Because he knew his father loved him.

Today, we can read between the lines and see the love story written between these terrifying lines.  Today, we know that...

Abraham represents God, the Father;
Isaac, the Son, who carried the wood of the cross on his shoulders.
Finally, the fire, that represents the Holy Spirit.

The Father would never allow a father to sacrifice his son.  The Father would do it for him...and for all mankind.  Yes, God the Father would offer up His Son, His only Son, the Son that He loves with all His heart, mind, strength and will for the salvation of the world.

Now that is love, and love is all about taking risks.

ARE YOU A RISK TAKER?

Lent.  Lent is all about personal conversion and becoming a new man, a new creation, another Christ.  It's about all transfiguring or transforming oneself into the person of Jesus Christ. 

Now of course this transformation requires prayer, penance and sacrifice.  And sure it takes faith, hope and love, and a will made out of steel.  And without a doubt it means being faithful to our Lenten resolutions.  But there are two words that best describe the attitude we should have during Lent, and they are "RISK TAKER!"

Are you will to take a chance and risk it all to be more configured to the person of Jesus Christ, just like Abraham, Isaac, Moses, the Apostles, Mary and all the Saints?  If the answer is yes, then God bless you and welcome aboard!!!

The Lord wants only risk takers, not comfort seekers.

The transfiguration.  In today's Gospel passage (Mk 9:2-10), the Lord took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves.  And he was transfigured before them.  Then Peter said to Jesus, Rabbi, it is good that we are here!  Let us camp out here.  The Lord ignored him.  Peter wanted the Christ without the Cross!

Along our journey towards holiness, we will be tempted to seek out and stretch out our hands and feet on what is comfortable, cozy and warm and fuzzy, just like the Apostles did on the day the Lord appeared in all his glory.  But this was just a temporary stop on the road to Calvary and Pentecost.  The Apostles were still very far from the finish line.  There still remained risks that needed to be taken.

This is something we must all learn.  Risk taking is part of process of becoming another Christ. 

Life on earth is not heaven; it is WAR...and Lent is our boot camp and the ideal place to learn all about risk taking.

Am I doing anything risky this Lent?  Am I reaching out to the unlovable and unforgiveable? 

Yesterday, I heard confessions for a bunch of teenagers.  I told them that Jesus was the greatest risk taker that ever lived.  They looked shocked until I told them that every time he forgives us, he is taking a big risk - the risk that we will commit the same sin over and over and over again.  From the look of shock came the look of relief.  Thank God!  Thank God! 

How many times must I forgive my brother?  Seven times seventy times.  The Lord is willing to take such risks.  Why?  Because He knows His Father loves Him.  I believe this is the secret to risk taking...and to becoming a saint. 

Are you will to take such risks?  Do you realize how much you are loved?

This is not easy. 
None of this is easy. 
That's why we need Lent.