Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; he has come to his people. -- Luke 1:see 68
Mass readings: Romans 4:20-25 / Luke 12:13-21
Today's first reading says, ''He [Abraham] did not doubt God's promise in unbelief; rather, he was empowered by faith and gave glory to God.'' God told childless Abraham he'd have countless descendants and then, later, asked him to sacrifice his only son. And Abraham believed. Why? Because, ''empowered by faith,'' he recognized that God doesn't lie.
God does not lie. An obvious truth . . . that's easy to overlook. What God promised in the Old Testament, what Jesus promised in the Gospel, are not lies. Being last will make you first. Dying to self will bring you to new life. You can store up treasures in heaven right now that will never be destroyed, never diminish in value. Jesus is your friend, your brother. God loves you.
Prayer: Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life, thank You for all You've promised to those who follow You.