During Lent, we sacrifice many conveniences to strengthen our spirit and discipline our bodies. Fasting and abstaining becomes great spiritual practices to keep our bodily desires in check. It allows for us to live a more Christocentric life, reflecting and praying more fervently, and forgiving others more readily. Lent becomes an opportunity to grow in our faith and trust in the Lord.

But at times, our faith may waver and bring us to question whether God is putting us to the test?

In the first reading, Abraham is said to be tested. We know that Isaac is ultimately saved through his father’s faith and God rewards him for that. But subtly, it also shows Isaac’s faith and trust in his own father. We often picture Isaac as a helpless boy, but the reality is that at this point, Isaac is likely a strong adult man. In Genesis we read that Abraham even places wood and burnt offerings on Issac’s back as the two make their final journey to the place of sacrifice.

This scene of Abraham and Isaac brings to mind God the father and God the son through the passion and death of Jesus Christ. God sacrificed his only son to save us. And yes, there are moments when we do question why God puts us to the test. But perhaps it is not so much of a test, but an invitation for us to put our faith and trust in Him.

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