Covenant is an agreement between two persons or between two parties. In the modern society, there are different agreements: marriage agreement, trade agreements etc are some of them. After every covenant or an agreement, it was verified by the two parties by signing those agreements. The covenants which happend between God and man had a speciality than the covenants between a man and a man. God took the initiative in those covenants. In every covenant, God explained about the covanant and also fulfilled the promises.
God made a covenant with Abraham
A large Generation
The above Scripture passages show us that Abraham is going to be the father of a big generation. God fulfilled his promise and gave him a son. Although he was advance in age, because of Abraham Sarah gave birth to a son and his name was Isaac.
A land inherited forever
The above scripture passages show us, God is going to give the land of Canaan to Abraham and his descendants. Abraham's whole future life was depended on God's grace and mercy. Holy Scripture proves us the promise that God gave to Abraham had succeeded as it was. In their old age, Abraham and Sarah had a child. His name was Isaac. The great nation had developed through Isaac. The descendants of Abraham became the heirs of the land of Canaan.
How they did the Covenant
The above Scripture passage shows us how God did a covenant with Abraham. The smoking brazier and the flaming torch which passed in between those pieces symbolized not Abraham but God Himself. Those smoking brazeir and the flaming torch symbolized God. Therefore only God had gone in between those pieces. God enlightened Abraham's life by going through his life's sorrows, pains obstacles and troubles.
Symbol of the Covenat (Circumcission)
Circumcission was the external symbol of the covenant, which God made with Abraham. It was the sure symbol of the Israelites dedication to God. It was a symbol of a special vocation. As the descendants of Abraham were circumcised, we too were Baptized. Through that we became the people of God in the new covenant who are dedicated to God.
Changing the Name of Abraham and the meanings of Names
The previous name of Abraham was Abram. The meaning of Abram is “The great father” God changed the name “Abram” into “Abraham” which gives the meaning of “Father of Nations”
The name of a person indicates the personality of the person. By changing the name also signifies the life style and the status of that person. At Baptism all of us were given a Christian name. Find out the Christian name you were given. Get the life story of that saint and read. Did you try to imitate that saint; after meditating upon that life? Some times you may not have a Christian name as such, even though, you were dedicated to God through Baptism. Think of that, and try to live as a dedicated child of God.
Through Baptism we entered into a life of covenant. Because of that, we have to live according to our Baptismal promises. We have to be faithful to God and reject satan and evil actions. As a student you have to understand that you were also given a vocation through your Baptism.
There are many ways and means to succeed in your vocation.
Be an active member of the Church
Introduce Jesus Christ by bearing witness to him through your life
Be a witness to your faith in the presence of others
Live according to the ten commandments
Fulfill the promises given to others
Be a witness to the Living Christ, through your missionary activities
Always listen to God who speaks to you through your life experiences