Thursday of the
Fifth Week of Lent
(Genesis 17:3-9; John 8:51-59)
St. Patrick was born in Roman Britain, a vast area that
included Gaul and Scotland. Since his
native country was Christian, he was baptized at an early age. He was taken by pagan raiders of his homeland
to Ireland as a slave. Eventually he
escaped his captors, returned to Britain, and became a priest and bishop. He returned to Ireland as a missionary
working to convert the native pagans. Like
the Jews in today’s gospel, many resisted Patrick’s efforts.
Reading the gospels, one has difficulty distinguishing
the setting. It may be the Judea at the
time of Jesus or perhaps the situation when the evangelists were writing. The fierce opposition of the Jews toward
Jesus in today’s passage reflects a time after the resurrection. The Jews are reacting to Christian claims not
only of Jesus’ divinity but also of the need to modify their established
customs. They believe that Christians are
wavering from the path that Abraham set.
Meanwhile, Christians claim that Jesus transcends Abraham because he
exists as the eternal Son of God.
We have thrown our lot with Christ. This means that we “keep his word” as we hear
today. We are to love our enemies as sisters
and brothers of the same Father in heaven.
Often love requires patience, even toleration. It is not easy, but it is the way of the
cross beside our blessed Lord.
