Theological Reflection on ABRAHAM I

Reflection: Further understanding on the importance of Abraham?

This question was posed for those studying the Old Testament in Year One of Education for Ministry (WK 8).

The Sacred Tools of Discernment indicated that the answer to this question may be obtained by reflecting on the primary influence of the tribe of LEVI and the secondary influence of the tribe of BENJAMIN: Sacred + Guard = Festival.

Chag (khag) in Hebrew is the name for a “festive gathering.”

The text associated with Chag in the Hebrew Scriptures is associated with the description of appointed Festivals (see Leviticus 23:33-44).

This story appears in the Action section of the reflection cycle, which means that it is ongoing. The inference we can draw from this is that festivals are a memorial of an important religious event.

REACTION

Festivals regarding Abraham may be different in different religions but there reason for their existence is similar.

EXAMINATION

There are three festivals regarding the Rock where Abraham was reported to obey the Lord in sacrificing his son. The Rock is Temple Mount in Jerusalem, which is a holy place for Jews, Muslims and Christians. The temple built by King Solomon was on that spot. In Judaism, during Rosh Hashanah, the story of Abraham and Isaac is recited. This same episode takes place in Islam, but with Ishmael as the sacrifice rather than Isaac, at “Id al-Adha,” the Feast of the Sacrifice. In Islam the Rock is also the place where Mohamed ascended to Paradise, where the Dome of the Rock stands today. For Christians the festival associated with the Rock is Easter, the day of Jesus resurrection: This time the sacrifice was God’s son. ⁽¹⁾

CHANGES
The three festivals take place during the holist times of each of the three religions.

OUTCOME

These three festivals remind Jews, Muslims and Christians of their connection with Abraham and with each other.

TODAY’S WORLD

Three of the greatest religions on earth today recognize a common Patriarch, Abraham: History’s first monotheist. God is One.

References:
1. “Abraham  ̶  A Journey to the Heart of Three Faiths” by Bruce Feiler
See Bibliography: Sacred Tools of Discernment by Jonn Lavinnder