Afterthought from Torah Study 1:20:1

This week the section of Torah that we studied was at least on the surface, particularly difficult to find a spiritual lesson. Abraham and Sarah are traveling in hostile territory and he has her represent their relationship as brother and sister because he feels he will be safer. She is taken by a king named Abimelech. God speaks to Abimelech in a dream telling him not to touch Sarah because she’s another man’s wife and if he disobeys he will die.

One thing a lot of these kind of stories tell us is how the prophets were so very human. Another thing this narrative seemed to be about is how fear can inhibit us from leading spiritually faithful lives and the various test that await us along the way. While this is true, as I thought a little longer; a little deeper something else came to me. I started at the last part we read. Sarah becomes pregnant with Abraham’s and her first (and only) child. She gives birth to the baby God has told her she will bear (even though she is in her 90’s). Why did this happen then? Why not months before or months later?

What occurred to me was that maybe promises that are made on the spiritual plane need some sort of catalyst to be executed in the material world. Just before Sarah conceives, Abraham prays for the health of Abimelech and his court and the women become pregnant. So maybe this is the catalyst, praying for someone else what you are wishing for yourself.

However if it was simply that then it too could have happened earlier. The difference was that Abraham was praying for the health of someone who he had offended and wronged (in assuming Abimelech would behave unethically and letting him go down that path unimpeded). And as Abimelech did take Sarah he wronged Abraham as well. It would have been so easy for Abraham to get defensive, angry and resentful, perhaps even guilty and anger with himself as it was God who stood up for Sarah not him. Instead he opened his heart and his connection with God on Abimelech’s behalf. Maybe this was the catalyst. It’s about being a part of, a channel for divine love not simply when its easy but in the harder relationships as well.

In my prayer life one of the primary things I desire is the miracle of, as lowly as I am, having the ability, courage and opportunity to fulfill an important purpose for God. So in stumbling in Abraham’s footsteps my prayer is for everyone, those I am close to and especially those with whom there is trouble, for the miracle of them being able to live a life that is actively following and fulfilling God’s important purpose for their unique selves, living lives that are rich in all creative goodness, happiness and God’s power.

How can I/we become catalysts? When in full measure without regard to distress we walk a purposeful path of love and beauty and pray this for others as well. In this way we all become part of the One Whole Holy Self. 1+1=1