HOMILY FOR THURSDAY OF THE FIFTH WEEK IN THE ORDINARY TIME YEAR A,
BY REV FR EKESHIRI JUDE EMEKA CSSP.
(Genesis 17:3-9, Psalm 104:4-9, John 8:51-59)
The boldness of Jesus in making certain claims about God and the works that He does is really profound. One would not expect Him to give up on His claims any time soon, while dealing with the scribes and the Pharisees.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus says, “Amen, amen, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death… before Abraham came to be, I AM.” These words of Jesus reveals a truth that is deep and mysterious, and would be difficult for those who listens to him to accept because they truly do not understand the truth about Jesus’s origin.
In all these what Jesus is teaching us is more about eternal life, a life that begins here and now for those who keep His word, a life that transcends physical death. When Jesus says, “Before Abraham was, I am,” He is not merely claiming to have existed before Abraham but is revealing His divine identity with God Himself.
We saw that, in the book of Exodus, God revealed His name to Moses as “I AM,” the eternal, self-existent One. Jesus is echoing that divine name, thus proclaiming His eternal divinity.
Surely, this claim provoked anger the Jews because they believed that, it is only God who should be called I Am and that, Abraham is an ancestor no one should equate himself with. They believe that, Jesus challenged their understanding of God and authority. They saw Jesus as a mere man, yet here He reveals Himself as the eternal God.
This teaches us that faith in Jesus calls us beyond ordinary human concepts, inviting us to accept His divine nature and the promise of eternal life.
As we journey through Lent, let us reflect on this invitation to live by Jesus’ word, to abide in His love, and to trust in His promise that death is not the end. True life begins with Him and continues forever. In moments of doubt or trial, let us remember Jesus’ powerful affirmation: “I am,” the eternal presence, one who walks with us and leads us to the fullness of life. Peace be with you.
