Believe and stand firm.
Genesis 17:3–9; Psalm 105; John 8:51–59
Abram becomes Abraham (Gen. 17:5). God renamed Abram Abraham, which means “father of a multitude of nations.” By this name, God was not just promising that Abraham would become the father of many nations but that, through Abraham’s offspring, salvation would come to the world.
As the gospel of today explains, this promise was realized in Jesus Christ. As the mediator of the new covenant, Jesus teaches that faith in him is the key to everlasting life. This emphasizes how essential believing in Jesus is to obtaining salvation.
Again, Jesus proclaims, “Before Abraham was, I am,” confirming his eternal existence and divine character. This educates us about Jesus’ self-disclosure as the everlasting Son of God. Believe in him and stand firm at all times.
The response from the Jews exemplifies the opposition and skepticism Jesus encountered from other people and religious authorities. It demonstrates how preconceived beliefs or a hard heart can lead one to reject even the most deep facts. Preconceived notions are one of the reasons we reject the truth in this day and age. Let’s be open to the truth.
Jesus holds fast to his teachings and assertions in the face of opposition. In spite of criticism or skepticism, let’s learn to maintain our commitment to the truth. Resist the urge to give in to pressure or compromise the truth because of opposition.
Let us pray
Be near, O Lord, to those who plead before you, and look kindly on those who place their hope in your mercy, that, cleansed from the stain of their sins, they may persevere in holy living and be made full heirs of your promise. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
