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Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.


Reflection by Kathy Mallery Schober

Today's Gospel: John 8:51-59

“Who do you think you are?” is the knee-jerk reaction communicated in today’s Gospel. “Do you think you are greater than Abraham? Greater than the prophets?” Jesus speaks of eternal life. Those speaking with Him want to point out that Abraham and the prophets all died. Jesus points to our heavenly Father, trying to help them understand that He is not seeking to bring glory to Himself but to the Father.

We can often be blinded to the truth, much like Jesus’ audience today. Rather than having God’s message illuminated by prayer, scripture, and reflection, we can all too readily respond in fear, hardening our hearts.

But if we take the time, God gives us many resources to shed light on His messages. One of our greatest resources lies in the Hebrew scriptures. The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us that the Old Testament is bursting with prophecy and prefiguration of what Jesus would fulfill. As St. Augustine said, the New Testament lies hidden in the Old, and the Old Testament is unveiled in the New.

In today’s Gospel reading, the hard-hearted response of Jesus’ audience continues. Finally, Jesus speaks very clearly, saying, “Before Abraham came to be, I AM.” Jesus invokes the words of God to Moses, and those He is speaking with know exactly what He is saying: Jesus is God. The great I Am.

Let us sit with this message a moment: Jesus is God. The Great I Am. But in the light of scripture, more is illuminated. Jesus is God. God is love. And the law, the Great Commandment of Jesus, is love. Unfortunately, those who hear Him react not in love, but in fear and hostility.

 

Ponder:

 

When God’s Word confuses or scares me, how should I respond?

 

Pray:


God, we pray that our eyes will be opened to see the truth of the Gospel as it is illumined by salvation history and the prophets. And we pray that our hearts will be opened to the truth of the Law of Love.

 


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Let us sit with this message a moment: Jesus is God. The Great I
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Copyright 2023 Kathy Mallery Schober

Kathy Mallery Schober directs Faith Formation, catechizing for over 25 years, and holds a graduate degree in education. As a public speaker and educator, she has earned awards for her work with families and children. Kathy Mallery Schober creates and posts videos for her YouTube Channel "Domestic Church" to enrich Catholic homes. She also periodically shares reflections on 8th Station: Women Disciples.