5TH WEEK OF LENT

Before Abraham came to be, I AM. 

In some ways it’s not too hard to relate to the Jews’ consternation in today’s Gospel reading. When Jesus spoke these words, they didn’t know what to make of him. It was true that he had some remarkable teaching to offer. He had also performed some stupendous miracles. But equating himself with God by calling himself “I AM”? That was going too far!

Granted, we know that Jesus is God. But we might act as if we don’t. It’s a different problem from the Jews in today’s reading, but it comes from the same root—not believing who Jesus says he is. We might not lash out at Jesus as they did (John 8:59); instead, our unbelief might look more like self-protection. If we start to think that he can’t do what he has promised in our lives, we might distance ourselves from him and try to take matters into our own hands. We might trust only in what we do ourselves, results we can see.

But trusting in what is unseen is what faith is all about. It’s believing in Jesus’ power when the “evidence” of our senses seems to tell us otherwise. It’s trusting in his love and grace when our situation seems beyond his reach. It’s knowing we can rely on him, no matter what our circumstances are.

When you find yourself wrestling with your faith, know that you’re not alone. Old Testament heroes like Abraham, Moses, and Joseph all had to trust in God when they couldn’t see the outcome of the situations they faced. The apostles and saints of the Church all endured trials that tested their faith. But they persisted in believing that Jesus could do what he had promised. They trusted that he loved them and cared about what was important to them.

You can experience the same assurance as you exercise your faith. When you pray today, don’t focus only on your problems—focus on the problem solver as well! Expand the way you think about Jesus. Proclaim that he is God and can do all things. “Recall the wondrous deeds that he has wrought” (Psalm 105:5), and trust that he can do “far more than all [you] ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20). Then, in faith, tell him that you believe he is who he says he is.

“Jesus, I believe that you are the Son of God. Help me live out of that faith today!”

Genesis 17:3-9
Psalm 105:4-9
John 8:51-59