An Old Testament Lesson in Blessings

Today's Mass readings speak of the power of God to bless not only parents but children as well.  It's similar to a cascading waterfall that looks for nooks and crannies to fill only it's not about water at all.  It's about God's favor and blessing.

Time and time again in the Bible we see stories of God choosing to bless kids just because of the faith of their parents.  It's as if God was saying, "any son of Joe's is a friend of mine!"  In Genesis- back to today's reading ( Gn 17:1, 9-10, 15-22), the Scriptures say the following:
God further said to Abraham:
"As for your wife Sarai, do not call her Sarai;
her name shall be Sarah.
I will bless her, and I will give you a son by her.
Him also will I bless; he shall give rise to nations,
and rulers of peoples shall issue from him."

The phrase that struck me was "Him also will I bless".  As a pure result of parental faith, the child was given special favor.

How is your faith blessing your children?  How about your work life?  Are you providing both an example and an income?  These questions are what I'll bring to prayer this weekend as we continue to go deeper in our insights about the spirituality of work.

*Photo by T.Blue