God keeps His covenant promises in Christ

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Today's first reading (Gn 17:3-9) tells us of God's covenant promises to Abram. He is ninety-nine years old (Gen 17:1). God promises him a multitude of descendants comprising nations and kings, with the land of Canaan as their permanent possession. His name Abram, Exalted Father, is changed to Abraham, Father of Many. Abraham and his descendants, on their part must be faithful to the Covenant: “On your part, you and your descendants after you must keep my covenant throughout the ages.”

Psalm 105 reveals David as a son of Abraham who knows his people's fortunes are rooted in faithfulness to Abraham's covenant with God. He knows his people's history. Each time they strayed and yoked themselves to the gods of neighbouring nations, they were overcome by their enemies. A true leader, David glorifies God as the Source of his nation's blessings, and calls his people to do the same:

“Look to the LORD in his strength; seek to serve him constantly.
Recall the wondrous deeds that he has wrought, his portents, and the judgments he has uttered.
You descendants of Abraham, his servants, sons of Jacob, his chosen ones!
He, the LORD, is our God; throughout the earth his judgments prevail.”

In today's Gospel, (Jn 8:51-59) Jesus tells the Judaeans,“whoever keeps my word will never see death.” They protest that He is making Himself greater than Abraham, Moses and the prophets who have died. They ask, “Who do you make yourself out to be?” Jesus tells them that He knows the Father, keeps His word, and that the Father in turn glorifies Him. Jesus calls them “liars” for claiming to know God, tells them that “Abraham saw [His] day and was glad,” and“before Abraham came to be, I AM.” The Judaeans are outraged and try to stone Him, but Jesus hides, then leaves the Temple.

Lord Jesus, God's covenant Lamb “slain from the foundation of the world,” (Rev 13:8) all our blessings flow Your self-sacrificing love for us. Only in You is there hope for humanity. Without You, our attempts at happiness, peace and prosperity come to nothing. Make us faithful to You, preserve our nation, instill in our government and religious leaders faithfulness to Your Gospel; bring back those who have strayed, draw to Your merciful heart those who have not yet come to know You, and grant repentance to those who actively oppose Your Good News. In Your Most Holy Name I pray. Amen.

Link to readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040722.cfm


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