3/21/2024 (Thursday) Today’s gospel reading: John 8:51-59

51 Jesus said to the Jews: “Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever keeps my word will never see death.”
52 So the Jews said to him, “Now we are sure that you are possessed. Abraham died, as did the prophets, yet you say, ‘Whoever keeps my word will never taste death.’
53 Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? Or the prophets, who died? Who do you make yourself out to be?”
54 Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is worth nothing; but it is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say, ‘He is our God.’
55 You do not know him, but I know him. And if I should say that I do not know him, I would be like you a liar. But I do know him and I keep his word.
56 Abraham your father rejoiced to see my day; he saw it and was glad.”
57 So the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old and you have seen Abraham?”
58 Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, before Abraham came to be, I AM.”
59 So they picked up stones to throw at him; but Jesus hid and went out of the temple area.

3/21/2024 (Thursday) Today’s gospel reflection / homily / sermon: John 8:51-59

In the gospel reading above, we find Jesus conversing with the Jewish people, revealing timeless truths about faith, identity, and eternal life. He proclaims, “Very truly I tell you, whoever obeys my word will never see death.” This statement is not just about the avoidance of physical demise but an invitation to a life beyond the constraints of time and decay, a life filled with purpose, meaning, and a deep connection with the divine.

This passage challenges us to reflect on the essence of true life. It’s an invitation to consider what it means to truly live, not just in the biological sense but in a way that is rich, fulfilling, and eternal. It prompts us to ask ourselves if we are merely surviving or if we are living fully, with our spirits attuned to the timeless wisdom and love that Jesus offers.

Moreover, the discourse delves into the nature of Jesus’ identity and his relationship with the Father, emphasizing that knowing Jesus is to know God Himself. It’s a call to recognize the divine within and around us, to see life not as a series of random events but as a beautifully orchestrated symphony of experiences designed to bring us closer to the eternal truth and love.

In our journey through life, let us embrace the wisdom found in these verses. Let us strive to live in obedience to the words of Jesus, for in doing so, we find a path to a life that transcends the limitations of this world. We are offered a vision of existence that is not bound by time but is eternal, not governed by fear but by love. This passage encourages us to look beyond the horizon of our immediate reality and to see the infinite possibilities that faith in Jesus opens up for us.

Let this gospel passage be a reminder that in every moment of our lives, we have the opportunity to choose to live a life of purpose and eternal significance. Our purpose is to know God and to love Him and our neighbor as well. In doing so, a place has been reserved for us to live forever.

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