How do we honor our promise?

In the first and second reading, as well as the Psalm for today we see the beginning of a covenant between God, Abraham, and his descendants. Abraham and the Hebrew people made a promise to be faithful to God and worship only God. At times they faltered and had to be reminded of the promise given through the prophets. In the Gospel, it is the voice of an angel that reminds Joseph to honor and trust God’s plan. Joseph’s acquiesence lays the foundation for the church that is to come. One built by those who followed Jesus and eventually spread his teachings throughout the world.

As Christians, we are the inheritors of Abraham’s covenant. Our fulfillment is found in the person of Jesus Christ. Christians also falter in their promise to honor God and follow the model of Jesus.

Who are our prophets? Whose voices call us back from the wilderness?

St. Ignatius taught that God is found in all things. That we only have to look and be open to the voice of God in the world around us. God’s presence fills all creation. God’s voice may be heard in the wind, or the sound of birds trilling a welcome to the sunrise. It is found in the people around each of us, from the cry of an infant to the wisdom of our elders. In many ways, these are our angels. Prophets appear in the stories of Saints, and the voices and actions of ordinary people,

in the action of caring for others, reminding us of Christ’s call to serve those needs and to stand with the anawim. We honor our promise to God and to Christ when we tend to those who are lost, fragile, and broken. God’s love for humanity is reflected in our care for one another.

Jesus commanded us to love one another. St. Ignatius counseled us to seek out God in every situation. The Bible provides sustenance from both the Hebrew Scriptures and Christian Scriptures. We are surrounded by prophets, if we listen, we will hear their words. If we look, we will find God. If we reach out, we can hold the hand of another and stand in solidarity.

Author: Michele Elchlepp, Theology Department


We honor our promise through the love of Jesus Christ.