When I read this scripture, I have often thought that I would like Abraham to be with me when I am negotiating the price for a house or a new car. To me it speaks of several things. One is when we ask why God doesn’t punish the evil doers. Did you ever think their mothers were praying for them just as Abraham was here? Another thought is the importance of intercessory prayer. We are all called to be priests interceding for the needs of those around us. Do we see ourselves as an Abraham talking to God on behalf of those we love, and perhaps even those we don’t like? Paul reminds us of the fact that Jesus died for us even though we didn’t deserve it. Even when we were dead in transgressions of our flesh. Do we respond to others the way Abraham responded by interceding for us or the way Jesus responded to us?
In the Gospel, Jesus continues this thought in the prayer he taught the disciples. “Forgive us our sins for we ourselves forgive eve1yone in debt to us.” Do we? Do we forgive everyone in debt to us? Our enemies? Our friends? Our family? Our spouse? Do we place a limit on that forgiveness? This is not to say we allow ourselves to be abused repeatedly, but to forgive is an essential pa11 of the healing process. How can we ask God to forgive us if we are unwilling to forgive others, even when they don’t ask for forgiveness?
Countenance of God 