Let not my Lord grow angry if I speak. Genesis 18:20-32

If our best friend does us a favor, we want to return it. Sometimes we can get someone to do us a favor if we promise some kindness in return. We might have to negotiate. We might have to give up more than we thought. But we can barter and sustain the friendship.

One of the most delightful passages in the Old Testament is the negotiation between God and Abraham. Both have entered a covenant as friends, although they are not at all equals. Still, Abraham negotiates with God about the number of righteous people who might be found in Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham speaks humbly of himself in the presence of God’s majesty, yet he boldly asks for a better and better deal.

The passage is delightful until we realize what they are negotiating over: the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. God has condemned the city for its misdeeds, but Abraham pleads on behalf of the innocent. This quaint conversation concerns the serious business of saving human lives.

In our friendship with God, we often negotiate in a similar way. “Let my mother live, O God, and I will always treat her with respect.” “Let me not get into trouble for my sin, O God, and I will always keep my room clean.” Let me get out of debt, O God, and I will give ten percent of all I own to the church.” We barter. The conversation delights God’s ears. God loves the people of the covenant.

Written by Paul Turner. Liturgy Training Publications
Copyright 2003, Archdiocese of Chicago