Thursday of the Fifth Week of Lent
(Genesis 17:3-9; John 8:51-59)
Today’s gospel is difficult to understand. It may be profitably seen as a trial with
Jesus in the witness stand. He has been accused
of diabolical possession because he claims to have seen Abraham, the
patriarch. When Jesus suggests that he
is divine with his testimony, “’I AM,’” the Jews find him guilty of blasphemy and
try to execute him.
At the trial Jesus gives as evidence the testament of
Abraham. The first reading provides
background information on the patriarch.
Abraham’s faith in God gained him the honor of becoming the father of
many nations. His numerous descendants
will possess the land of Canaan.
Just as the first readers of John’s Gospel, we see God’s
promise to Abraham fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
As his legacy grew immensely with non-Jews accepting Jesus, it continues
to expand today. Throughout the Global
South and especially in Africa, the number of Christians is increasing. The promise of “the whole land of Canaan”
becoming the possession of his descendants is fulfilled as well. We are not talking about real estate here but
of the same “land” destined to the meek in the Beatitudes. Let us hope and work
to be counted among its recipients.
