Martin Madalai Muthu csc –
Readings: Gen 17: 3-9; Jn 8: 51-59
In the book of Genesis God drove out Adam and Eve lest they access the “tree of life” and live forever. In the Gospel, we meet Jesus as the tree of Life. In Jn 8:51 Jesus said that “whoever keeps my word will never see death.” And we know that anyone who eats the fruit from the ‘tree of life’ will never face death.
If the words of Jesus lead us to never face the death than it is an assurance that he is the tree of life too, who was present even before Abraham came to be (Jn 8:58).
In Jn 11:25 Jesus said, “I am the one who raises the dead to life! Everyone who has faith in me will live, even if they die”. It means that though we face physical death we will have eternal life through believing in the words of Jesus who is the tree of Life.
Thank you, Father, that you have given us the grace to see the Image behind the tree of life. The fruit which was once denied to Adam is given to us to taste and live forever. Lord, help us to faithfully observe the Lenten season and reserve time each day
for quiet contemplation.