7 July 14 This Year

On ሐምሌ 7, July 14 this year, the EOTC faithful commemorate the day the Holy Trinity, in an act of divine revelation, visited the tent of Abraham. This event, as recorded in Genesis 18, serves not merely as a historical narrative but as a profound theological teaching that resonates through the ages. Abraham, revered as the epitome of hospitality, erected his tent by the wayside to welcome travelers, embodying the virtue of xenia or guest-friendship. This act of open-heartedness was not without its challenges. The devil, ever envious of good, spread false rumors to deter guests from visiting Abraham. In response to this attack, Abraham intensified his commitment to hospitality by fasting and pledging not to eat unless a guest joined him. This stance illustrates the spiritual warfare between virtue and vice, where hospitality counters inhospitality and generosity combats slander. During his time of fasting, Abraham was visited by three strangers at the hottest part of the day, under the Mere Adbar tree. Recognizing the sacredness of the moment, Abraham addressed them with deference, inviting them to rest and refresh themselves, thus transforming his tent into a place of divine encounter. The visitors, manifestations of the Holy Trinity, accepted his hospitality, which included washing their feet and providing a feast, a sign of Abraham's unwavering faith and his role as a host to God Himself. The meal prepared for the visitors—bread made from three measures of fine flour and a calf—symbolizes the unity and trinity of God. The bread, though made from three separate measures, remains one, just as the Trinity, though three distinct Persons, is one in essence. This theological truth underlines the mystery of the Trinity partaking of a meal, signifying God's willingness to engage with His creation in a profoundly intimate manner. The dialogue between God and Abraham further unveils significant truths. The announcement of Sarah’s forthcoming pregnancy is met with laughter, a human reaction to what seems impossible. Yet, this interaction highlights a core tenet of faith: nothing is beyond the power of God. Sarah's laughter, and her subsequent fear when confronted, reveal the tension between doubt and the miraculous, echoing through biblical narratives, such as the Annunciation to Mary. God’s query, "Where is your wife, Sarah?" parallels the question posed to Adam in the Garden of Eden, reflecting not a lack of knowledge but an invitation to dialogue and revelation. Here, God reaffirms His covenant with Abraham, promising not only a son, Isaac, but an unbroken line that would culminate in the Incarnation of Christ, the ultimate manifestation of God's commitment to His creation. The visitation of the Holy Trinity to Abraham's tent is not an isolated incident but a prefiguration of Christ's own hospitality and sacrifice, establishing a new covenant through which all nations are blessed. It underscores the virtue of hospitality as a divine command, where those who emulate Abraham's openness and generosity invite God's presence into their lives. Thus, the feast of the Holy Trinity’s visitation is a celebration of God’s ongoing interaction with humanity, a call to hospitality that transcends time. It teaches us that by welcoming the stranger, we might unwittingly entertain angels—or, indeed, the Holy Trinity—as Abraham did. This divine narrative continues to unfold in the lives of the faithful, where acts of kindness and hospitality are met with divine grace, blessing not only those who give but also sanctifying the world at large. As we reflect on this profound mystery, let us strive to embody the hospitality of Abraham in our own lives, making our homes and hearts open to both God and neighbor. In this way, we participate in the divine life, and through our acts of kindness, we too might receive God’s blessings and promises, just as Abraham did. © John's Repentance Reach out to us on our social media platforms and share it with your friends: https://linktr.ee/johnsrepentance