Invigorated

The story of Avraham Avinu and the three angels that came to visit him, was meant to show the extent of his being a man of Chessed.

The Alshich makes an interesting observation about doing Mitzvot and other acts of kindness. One who does such good deeds, becomes invigorated by these altruistic acts.

Avraham was recovering from his own circumcision. It was the third day which is the most painful. And he was ninety-nine when he went through this procedure.

Nevertheless, the Torah describes this old man running to serve his guests. After circumcision, he was further invigorated by having a more direct communication with Hashem.

This word, “invigorated” is a great word describing how we all should feel when we go out of our way to try to help others.

I asked a young boy if he could think of any Mitzvot he had done. He remembered that he once helped an elderly lady cross the street. He told me that he felt really good afterwards. He knew that it was special to go out of his way for someone else, without expecting anything in return.

This is why it is written in Pirkei Avot, שכר מצוה, מצוה. The reward for the Mitzva, is the Mitzva itself.

There is one catch to be able to feel this sense of invigoration. These positive acts must be done with sincerity and enthusiasm. If we do things begrudgingly, we will not get this feeling of invigoration.

Perhaps Avraham’s enthusiasm is what allowed him to live until the age of 175. He did not age because he was constantly invigorated by his Chessed. This is a very important message to take very much to heart.