From Fr. Tom,

Is there any parent among us today who would kill one of their children because God told them to? If such an event did happen, the killer would face serious charges or at the very least an intense psychological scrutiny. Abraham was ready to do just that without hesitation or question, before God intervened and stopped him. Abraham is sometimes referred as “our father in faith” after demonstrating his total trust in God. Not only did God spare Abraham’s son, Isaac, but rewarded him with “countless descendants.” Many times in my priesthood, I’ve witnessed great acts of faith from parishioners that make my faith seem small. These are the times when we must be strengthened in faith and this story from Genesis hopefully does that for us.