JULY62023

God said: “Take your son Isaac, your only one, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah. There you shall offer him up as a burnt offering.” This story, called the “binding of Isaac” in Jewish tradition, is not only important to Jews but also to Christians and Muslims — but for different reasons. (There is a video game “the binding of Isaac” that is something else altogether!) What each tradition emphasizes is the attitude of Abraham during the experience. What is not mentioned is what Isaac thought about it! Frederick Buechner wrote a novel from Isaac’s point of view called “Son of Laughter.” As he imagined it, Isaac was somewhat leery about dealing with God from that point on. At times we try to keep God at arms length as well, afraid of what God might ask of us. I’ll remain content being decent instead of being open to whatever challenge of generosity or forgiveness God could ask of us. Growing in the spiritual life happens when we say “whatever you want, God.”