Memorial of Saint Irenaeus
June 28, 2023
Daily Reading from the USCCB: Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18
God had promised Abram many descendants. Now Abram is still without an heir. Abram gently reminds God that so far he has no son, and that any prosperity he might enjoy would be without long-term benefit to him.
God leads Abram outside his tent and shows him the starry heaven. “That’s how numerous your offspring will be,” God tells him. Next God enters into a legal contract with Abram, binding himself with a formal agreement to be faithful to his promises to Abram. That’s the meaning of the strange proceedings that follow. God signs on the dotted line. His intentions are clear.
God can’t be clearer about what he wants to do for Abram. This is the same God who offers salvation to us.
