During our daily Masses this week in Ordinary Time, we have been hearing the story of Abraham from Genesis. In today’s reading, what struck me was that Abraham’s name was changed from Abram to Abraham. Why would that be? God calls Abram travel from the land of Ur to the land of Canaan, giving that land to him and his offspring. But there is a problem: Abram and his wife are very old and childless. Thus, he cannot fulfill this promise of God. But God promises Abram offspring. Is anything possible with God? So why is his name changed? His old name, Abram, literally means “exalted father.” However, the new name, Abraham, when translated, literally means “father of a multitude.” The changing of Abraham’s name is a sign from God. By changing his name, the Lord confirmed that he would fully carry out the promise that he made to him. In the ancient world, a name did not merely identify something, but rather a name made a thing what it was. In the view of the ancient world, a name meant a change in destiny. By God changing his name, Abraham knew that he would soon be the father that he long wanted to be. Abraham is also a father in faith. From the flesh of Abraham came the Jewish people. Through Abraham, the nations of the world also become blessed. From the Jewish people will come Jesus and the new covenant with God. Through Jesus, God’s blesses his people anew. Through this reading from Genesis today, may we not only honor and remember Abraham and covenant he made with God, but may we honor and remember all who passed down the faith to us.
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