The Divine Mystery of the Person of Christ.

Readings: 1^st: Gen 17: 3-9; Ps: 105; Gos: Jn 8:51-59

This brief reflection was written by Rev. Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a Member of the Congregation of the Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers (Spiritans). He is currently working with the Spiritan International Group of Puerto Rico &  Dominican Republic. He is the Administrator of Parroquia La Resurrección del Senor, Canovanas and the Chancellor of the Diocesis of Fajardo-Humacao, Puerto Rico. For more details and comments contact him on: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, cancilleriadfh@gmail.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com 

Today’s Gospel presents us another dialogue between Jesus and the Jews. However, it is not easy to see the connections in this dialogue. So, only through the help of the Holy Spirit, and one’s attentive and prayerful observation, can one discover the invisible connections, and be able to penetrate into the divine mystery which surrounds the person of Jesus Christ.

Yesterday, Jesus spoke of His strong relationship with Abraham. Today, he continues the dialogue. But in this case, He speaks both about who he is, and about his relationship with the Father. He makes very big claims on his identity.

First, Jesus makes a solemn affirmation: “Whoever keeps My word will not see death!” This was a very big blow to most of his listeners. It was hard to comprehend. They had no doubt that Jesus was claiming a divine nature.

Again, they failed to see that, as the son of Mary he was born in Bethlehem in time. However, as God, He is outside time.  He is the same yesterday, today and forever (Heb 13:8). Indeed, His statement, “before Abraham came to be, I AM” confirms and explains it all. Yet, it was hard for his listeners to comprehend.

Today’s gospel highlights the difference between the way of Jesus, and the way of the authorities. The divine way of looking at things, is the deep meaning that Jesus brings to life. So, Jesus is saying to all of us today: “If you want to see God, here I am!”

So, let ask God, Our Father to open the eyes of our minds, that we may comprehend the mystery of the divinity that surrounds the person of Christ. Let us also ask Him, to help us see Him in his Words, and in one another.

Peace be with you all!

Maranatha!