Greetings on this the Thursday of the Fifth Week of Lent
Readings: Genesis 17:3-9; Psalm 105:4-5, 6-7, 8-9; John 8:51-59
Summary
The Lord remembers his covenant for ever (PS 105:8a). If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts (PS 95:8).
The New Covenant of Jesus Christ revels the true depths of love and commitment. The Lord remembers his promise to you forever.
Reflection
The Covenant of Abraham is our first reading today. Here Abram, renamed Abraham, becomes the Father of Nations. The Lord will protect him and his descendants. For their part they shall maintain the covenant as well, given the sign of Circumcision. Likewise the Covenant of Moses the Signs, and the Ten Commandments ratified in the sprinkling of blood.
The New Covenant of Jesus is our gospel portion today. The gospel of John presents the new covenant differently then the old testament and different from the synoptic gospels.
There are the:
- Signs of Jesus.
- The I AM of Jesus.
- The Prayer of the Great High Priest.
X-ref: https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/gospel-of-john-outline-final.pdf
Today we have the first “I AM” of Jesus.
So the [leadership] said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old and you have seen Abraham?” Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, before Abraham came to be, I AM.” So they picked up stones to throw at him; but Jesus hid and went out of the temple area (Jn 8:57-59).
It’s meaning here is clear. Just as “I AM” has the power to bless with covenant, so too the Son of “I AM” can do as well. It is a covenant not of lands / possessions / livestock and skin but of heart and mind. The proof of Moses is in the Signs. (Jn 5:26). For if you had believed Moses, you would have believed me, because he wrote about me (Jn 5:46).
The signs update from seraph pole to Crucifix. The manna to Eucharist. From abstract to personal.
But this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days—oracle of the LORD. I will place my law within them, and write it upon their hearts; I will be their God, and they shall be my people (Jer 31:33).
Personal Reflection
In our readings today I am reminded that Jesus has introduced the New Covenant as love, light and relation. I prefer to spend today dwelling on that point. This eternal covenant of love, light and relation.
If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts (PS 95:8).
Sacred Readings Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/041025.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry