Today’s First Reading has one of the most dramatic scenes in the entire Bible.
Yahweh God instructs Abraham to slaughter his son, Isaac as an offering.
Whether the event actually happened I have no idea, and actually find the question irrelevant.
What I do find worth reflecting on is the mythos or sacred story behind what is written.
As Etty Hellisum said in beginning her diary, ‘Here goes then’. Early in 1971 I left my family home and entered the seminary to begin my studies and formation necessary to become an ordained priest in the Catholic Church.
Only in recent years have I reflected on the impact that must have had on my parents.
At the age of 17 I was more like Bilbo Baggins, from Lord of The Rings, taking my hat from the stand, closing the garden gate, and saying, ‘Well, that’s that,’ he said. ‘Now I’m off!’ Bilbo chose his favourite stick from the stand; then he whistled.