Starlight

A Reflection on the Second Reading for Sunday, August 7th, 2022
​Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19

Brothers and sisters: Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. 

By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; and he set out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he stayed for a time in the land he had been promised, as in a foreign land, living in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For Abraham looked forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. By faith Sarah herself, though barren, received power to conceive, even when she was too old, because she considered him faithful who had promised. Therefore from one person, and this one as good as dead, descendants were born, “as many as the stars of heaven and as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.”

All of these died in faith without having received the promises, but from a distance they saw and greeted them. They confessed that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth, for people who speak in this way make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of the land that they had left behind, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; indeed, he has prepared a city for them.

By faith Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac. He who had received the promises was ready to offer up his only begotten son, of whom he had been told, “it is through Isaac that descendants shall be named for you.” Abraham considered the fact that God is able even to raise someone from the dead — and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back.

God, where am I going? 
Are you even taking me anywhere?
I’m impatient, I’m busy …
I try too hard to be helpful, 
and all I do is get in the way. 
I rush, and forget my priorities, and I make mistakes.
And on top of it all, I feel the pain of the world; 
I become exhausted. 
If I’m not careful, I crash.


My dear child, have patience with Me.
Do you not know that all I want for you are good things? 
I’ve given you My Son, 
the lives of Abraham, and Sarah, and all the Saints;
They are all for you, 
to hold you up 
when the world is too much.


My Father, You’ve surprised me with the gift of my art,
and with dear friends who have Your heart.
You’ve unexpectedly graced me
with blessings borne out of profound tragedy.
Though sometimes I feel barren, 
You have given me the ability to conceive beauty in Your name.


Yes, sweet daughter, 
My promise is also for you.
Believe it, trust it, lean on it.
You may not see all the good things, 
but they are as plentiful as the stars in the sky.
 


Yes, Lord — I want all that You have to give me! 
My hands and heart are open; 
I will do what You would have me do…
I will live joyfully in the tent You’ve made for me.
I’ll gather my blessings and all Your children 
and hold them up to You in gratitude;
and, somehow, where You want me to go 
becomes clearer under the light from the stars.



Lindsay Elford

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