By Francis Gayang csc –
Readings: Gen 17:3-9; Jn 8:51-59
In the first reading, God promised Abraham three things: relationship, land, and progeny. These correspond with my response to the demand of the loving God to obey, listen, trust, submit, and totally surrender to his wisdom (Duet 11:26-28).
In the gospel, Jesus reminds me of the assurance of word of God, “Very truly I tell you, whoever obeys my word will never taste death” (John 8:51). What causes a person’s spiritual death is disobedience and faithlessness. Jesus responded to the people who questioned his divine identity by saying, “truly, truly I say to you, before Abraham was, I am” (Jn 8:58).
The dialogue between Jesus and the people in this passage had conflicting ends. They picked up stones to kill him for they could not understand and accept what he said. Jewish people were extremely religious and were aware of the promised Messiah, but lacked an open mind, and had pre-conceived ideas as to how a Messiah would be. So, a carpenter’s son could not have been on their list. They saw Jesus as nothing other than a normal human being. They were spiritually blind, not open to discerning the ways of God.
The practical challenge that the passage places for me today is, how do I read and see the Word of God? Do I read it as a historical book or as a knowledge book, or as a book of law? Or do I see it as God’s revelation for
my salvation?
The scripture contains instructions on matters of life and death. I must not be in haste to conclude, like the Jewish people of Jesus’ time. I must allow it to process and work accordingly. In this way, the Lord will reveal the truth in my heart in a wise manner.