In his long and hard life, Abraham faced many severe trials that tested his faith to the limit. Today we see him facing the severest trial of all. God asked Abraham to offer his only son Isaac in sacrifice. Abraham's heart was torn in two between love for his son and obedience to God. In the end obedience won out. As he raised his knife to immolate his son, God did not allow him to go through with the sacrifice and God fulfilled His promises to Abraham. Abraham became the father of a great nation.

In the Gospel we see Jesus preparing three of His apostles for the supreme test of their faith when He would be sacrificed. He knew that His crucifixion would dash all the hopes of His apostles. Jesus needed to strengthen their faith for the horrible ordeal ahead. So He allowed them to see a ray of His glory on Mt Tabor.

Like Abraham and the apostles, our faith will also be tested. To be willing to surrender to the seemingly irrational demands of God, we require courage and faith. Therefore let us pray to God to grant us the grace to face the trials and tribulations of this world.