Thursday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time
August 19, 2021
Daily Reading from the USCCB: Judges 11:29-39a
Jephthah was a war lord leading the Israelites against the Ammonites. He vows to sacrifice to God the first living thing he encounters if he is victorious. He overcomes the Ammonites only to be met by his only child on his return from battle. He must offer her to God in sacrifice.
This is a very puzzling episode. It seems clear however, that its point is not that God desires human sacrifice, but rather that when we are dealing with God we must conduct ourselves carefully. A vow once made must be kept. You can’t toy with God or play games with him or take refuge in second thoughts.
Dealing with God involves deference. Reverence for the holiness of the Lord is always in order.
