Thursday of the 5th week of Lent
First reading – Genesis 17:3-9
Change of name from “Abram” to “Abraham” is very significant. It’s the sign of the covenant of God with him. He is becoming the father of a multitude of nations. Only one nation but a multitude of nations. This is the change. The covenant with God opens the fatherhood of Abraham to multitude of nations. The relationship with God is that which opens our heart to more people. This is not something which closes you up. On the contrary, the relationship with God opens you up. Your heart becomes bigger so that you can welcome more people, more differences, and diversities. And God becomes the God of that heart which is open for a multitude of nations. Let’s reflect: Lent is a time to open our heart to more people and not to close it.