Jessel Pradeep Cutinha csc –
Readings: Gen 17: 3-9; Jn 8: 51-59
Jesus’ words are God’s words and believing and keeping his words, reward us eternal life. If we believe in the eternal life which Jesus brings, then it means we need to live our life by obeying him. Therefore, today’s liturgy of the Word asks us to remain faithful to God in obedience by keeping the covenant.
The first reading of the day emphasizes the eternal nature of God’s promises to those who obey him and keep his covenant. It highlights how God made a covenant with Abraham, and in today’s gospel, Jesus fulfils that covenant. Abraham’s faith and obedience to God brought blessings upon him and his descendants, leading him to be known as the father of faith. Consequently, his name changed from Abram to Abraham, signifying his role as the father of many nations.
Similarly, Jesus in today’s gospel asks us to have faith in his words, just as Abraham did. By believing Jesus’ words we too can gain God’s blessings of eternal life. The Jews failed to acknowledge the promise of eternal life that Jesus brought because their hearts were closed. Today let us examine our hearts. Are we open to listening to Jesus’ words, which give us eternal life? Are we faithful to the covenant that we made with Jesus at the time of our Baptism?