St. Barthlomew

Abraham stands as one of the most foundational figures in salvation history—the father of nations and a model of unwavering faith. Called by God to leave his homeland and journey to an unknown land, Abraham obeyed without question, trusting in the promise that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars (Genesis 15:5).

The image powerfully captures the most defining moment of his life—the binding of Isaac (Genesis 22). In obedience to God’s command, Abraham prepared to offer his beloved son as a sacrifice. At the last moment, the angel of the Lord stopped him, and a ram was provided in Isaac’s place. This event is a profound foreshadowing of Christ’s sacrificial death, with Isaac symbolising the obedient Son and the ram prefiguring the Lamb of God.

Abraham is honoured not only for his obedience, but also for his deep trust in God, even when he could not understand. He is called in Scripture “the friend of God” (James 2:23) and “our father in faith” (Romans 4:11). His covenant with God marks the beginning of the unfolding plan of redemption that finds its fulfilment in Christ.