Father Abraham

I think it's safe to say that Catholics generally do not pay enough attention to Abraham, who figures so prominently in today's Liturgy of the Word (all three Scripture passages, from Genesis, Psalms and John, mention him!). What strikes me today is the connection between Mary and Abraham, both of whom were vital in the coming of Christ into the world, even though separated by centuries. According to the Gospel of Luke, Mary is "blessed" because she "believed that the things promised by the Lord would be fulfilled": the very thing that "Abraham believed and so was justified," according to Paul. So we are challenged to believe--really believe the Word of God! Jesus says, "Whoever keeps my word will never see death."Again, today's Gospel hints, "man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."