Get out of Iraq!

In today’s first reading (Genesis 12:1-9), the Lord orders Abram (who would later be given the name Abraham) to leave the land of his kinsfolk.

Since many scholars understand Abraham’s native place of Ur as being in present-day Iraq, one might interpret this passage as God telling our father in faith to get out of Iraq (there is also strong evidence that links Abraham’s place of origin to present-day Turkey), but the most important meaning of this passage is neither geography nor archeology (nor is it a call for a specific military tactic).

The most important point is that God called Abraham to leave the land of his fathers (his historic comfort zone) and follow a difficult road.

To be sure, God extended promises of superabundant blessing, but the way would be long nonetheless and today’s reading ends with Abraham in the rather arid Negeb (and in the very next verse we learn that this land was beset by famine).

Likewise in our own lives, the Lord often calls us out of our comfort zones and to follow his will on paths that may sometimes be long and difficult. Yet no matter how daunting, fruitless, or even painful the road may be, if we are following the path set out for us by the Lord, our blessings will be endless.

May we follow the example of our father in faith. May we follow the call of the Lord, no matter where.