Today’s Mass readings begin with the well-known narrative of Abraham’s near-sacrifice of his son, Isaac. After yesterday’s account of Hagar’s banishment and the threat to the life of Abraham’s other son, I wonder a little about his regard for his children. I know, I know, God has looked after those children. But I can’t help reading these passages as a mother. I would absolutely refuse to sacrifice any child, mine or not.

I say that. But how often do the daily distractions keep me from attending properly to my children? Do I really listen? Do I treat them with the dignity and respect they deserve?

No. Not always. So maybe instead of judging Abraham as a bad parent, I ought to ask for grace to be better at it myself.