Thursday Week Five
Reading: John 8: 51-59
‘Very truly, I tell you, whoever keeps my word will never see death.’ The Jews said to him, ‘Now we know that you have a demon. Abraham died and so did the prophets; yet you say, “Whoever keeps my word will never taste death.” Are you greater than our father Abraham who died? The prophets also died. Who do you claim to be?’ Jesus answered, ‘If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, he of whom you say, “He is our God”, though you do not know him. But I know him; if I were to say that I do not know him I would be a liar like you. But I do know him and I keep his word. Your ancestor Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day; he saw it and was glad.’ Then the Jews said to him, ‘You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?’ Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly I tell you, before Abraham was, I am.’ So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple.
Reflection
The Jews questioned Jesus’ right to speak as He did. Secure in his identity as Son of God, Jesus responds and reassures us that whoever lives by the spirit and word of God will have eternal life. He is able to say this with authority as He knows himself as the son of the eternal father who has missioned him to share the good news of the kingdom of God with all people. (Matthew 7:29) On many occasions when he was alone, those who were around him along with the twelve asked him about His teaching, He explained its importance when he said, ‘to you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God’ (Mark 4:11) This is a kernel of great richness because it shows us that those who live by God’s law and keep his word will be guaranteed eternal life. They will be like people who build their houses on rock and the storms of life cannot destroy their faith, hope,love or endurance. Today, our world desires answers to many questions; so often there are none but the scriptures contain the blueprint for a happy and fulfilled life on earth and eternal happiness with God in heaven as outlined in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5: 3-12)
Unlike many of the false prophets of today, we can rely on Him because he is the Son of God and we know who it is in whom we have placed our trust. (2 Timothy 1:12)
Prayer
Lord, I thank you for your life giving word;
I thank you for its promise of eternal life;
May my heart be open to its transforming grace
this day and always, Amen.