What would you make of the story of Abraham attempting to sacrifice his only son, Isaac? Reactions and interpretations to this may vary. Some may see it as a sign of loyalty, commitment and sacrifice. Others may see this as horror, inhuman and selfishness. Whatever our reactions to this may be, it is easier to sound like modern experts in humanity, who could easily see what the people of old never saw. A common temptation of our modern time is anachronism; judging the past with the present standard, with little or no consideration of the difference in time, space and context.
However, the traditional understanding of this passage is God testing the faith of Abraham. There is nothing wrong in a caring Father testing the strength and quality of trust his child has in him. It is a costly ‘joke’ or test, one might say. What if it goes wrong? This is the point of the message: God does not test us beyond our limits. His testing is never for the sake of test or trials; they are meant to teach us. Every experience is meant to teach us something for which our lives will never be the same again. And it never goes wrong with God’s plans, especially for those who follow God’s paths and purposes, “listening” to him every moment.
Abraham was a typical good man whose only concern was to please God. There are many men and women of good will, who would do anything to maintain a good relationship with God and their neighbour. Some are guided by religious principles, while others are guided by their consciences. Sometimes, we could be so convinced of what God wants of us. However, listening to God could make a great deal of difference. A vital point in this passage, which is often sadly missed, is Abraham’s openness and his willingness to listen to God who tells him to change his mind-set. Do not lay your hand on that child. “Do not harm him”. There is a lamb of sacrifice instead. The difference between a fanatic and an proper adherent of any values is found in a healthy/unhealthy balance of emotion and reason. This passage shows the relationship between God and man, which improves with a better understanding of God’s will in time and context.
On the mountain, where Jesus is transfigured in the presence of Peter, James and John, the understanding of sacrifice changes from the use of animal. It becomes a self-sacrifice. God does not take pleasure in the blood of any human or animal. “You do not ask for holocaust or victim, sacrifice or offering, instead, hear I am.” The most pleasing sacrifice to God is not sacrificing others as scape-goats but offering self-sacrifice for the common good. Jesus did that for us; suffering and dying for a good cause that we might die no more but live forever as men and women of resurrection.
As Elijah and Moses appeared, a voice spoke from the heavens, “This is my Son, the beloved, listen to him.” Our primary call as humans is probably to listen always. We should listen more than we speak or act. As Christians we are constantly invited to listen to Jesus who is the summary of the Law and the Prophets. Listening to the Word becomes a spiritual experience and encounter; that which could transform us as it did for the disciples, making Peter to suggest that they pitch tents there – this is where I want to be, in God’s presence.
However, we are not people who only listen, experience, and remain where we are. We need to step down from the lofty mountains of our experiences to the plains. That is where we are needed to share our experiences with those who yearn for it. This experience of the good news is what St Paul preaches with passion to the Romans – the love of God which means more than the world to us. This love transfigures Jesus for us and transforms us who listen and follow his ways.