To this point in the story, Abraham has come across as a rather flat, passive character. He up and moves away at an old age just because God says so, he lets his wife call the shots with Hagar, and he gives away the farm to Lot just to keep the peace. But in today’s reading, Abraham becomes energetic, attentive, and even something of a pest.
First, Abraham goes all Martha Stewart on us (notice that Sarah’s nowhere to be found), preparing a lavish feast for three visitors who appear at his tent. He reminds me of our Palestinian taxi driver Samer, who welcomed our family into his home for a sumptuous meal when his third son was only a week old. Notice the energy Abraham spends on the “other”; notice that the “other” turns out to be God in disguise.
Abraham also deploys impressive bargaining skills to appeal to God’s “better angels” over the little matter of Sodom’s unrighteousness. While God seems to be tiptoeing toward wanton destruction, Abraham spends significant energy talking God down by pointing out the effects of such an approach. Abraham helps God, well, be God.
Different as these stories are, they find me considering again the people and causes to which I devote my energy. After all, I’m still a few years away from Abraham’s ninety-nine-plus, but I’m quite sure I don’t bustle about to welcome the “others” at my doorstep, or take much time to plead the cause of justice for those I don’t know.
It may be no mere coincidence that Abraham ends up conceiving a child. It may just be that spending energy toward hospitality and justice on behalf of others brings us more, not less, life after all. Sounds like gospel to me (Mark 8:35). How about you?
- Notice today where and how you spend your energy. How much is devoted to the “other” you encounter?
- Have you ever found new energy by spending yourself on hospitality or justice toward others?
- What other details did you notice in today’s reading?
Prayer: God of life, forgive us for hoarding our stuff and ourselves. Show us the life-giving power of your energy at work through us. Amen.
Breath Prayer: Is anything // too wonderful?
