Change of name signifies change of mission!

March 21, Thursday of the Fifth Week of Lent
Memorial of Saint Nicholas of Flue
Daily Readings: Genesis 17:3–9; John 8:51–59

Progeny and land are two significant gifts that God promised to give to Abraham and, through him, to all of humanity. Every human family thrives on these God-given gifts, signs of abundant blessings. God repeats the promises He made in Genesis 12:1–4. This time, he makes a covenant with Abraham.

With a purpose, God transforms the name Abram (exalted father) into Abraham (father of a multitude of nations). A name change signifies a change of mission. When God gives certain gifts, He also expects Abraham and all the generations after him to keep God’s covenant forever.

Jesus is in the Jerusalem Temple. He pronounces words of eternal life: “Whoever keeps my word will never see death” (v. 51). As is usual in the cases of Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman, there is a gulf in the meaning and understanding of the words that Jesus pronounces.

Death can mean physical death or spiritual death. It could also mean that when a person tends to sin, he is away from God. Being away from God’s presence can also mean death. The Jews take it for granted that Jesus speaks about physical death, while Jesus means the other one. Every time Jesus raises an issue, arguments escalate.

The Jews' hearts harden like the Pharaoh's.  Every time Moses and Aaron worked as prodigies, they hardened. By reiterating that Jesus existed long before Abraham came into existence, he creates such great concern that they decide to stone him to death. Jesus knows that his time has not yet come, and therefore he moves away from the temple.

Call to Action for Catholic Living: God has a specific mission for every person He creates. A person's vocation is to know it and live it to the fullest. What is my vocation? How do I live it meaningfully?