Today’s Reflection
Gospel: John 8:51-59
April 7, 2022 | Thursday

Today’s Gospel

Truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never experience death.” The Jews replied, “Now we know that you have a demon. Abraham died and the prophets as well, but you say, ‘Whoever keeps my word will never experience death.’ Who do you claim to be? Do you claim to be greater than our father Abraham, who died? And the prophets who also died?”

Then Jesus said, “If I were to praise myself, it would count for nothing. But he who gives glory to me is the Father, the very one you claim as your God, although you don’t know him. I know him, and if I were to say that I don’t know him, I would be a liar like you. But I know him and I keep his word.

As for Abraham, your ancestor, he looked forward to the day when I would come; and he rejoiced when he saw it.”

The Jews then said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old and you have seen Abraham?” And Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” They then picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and left the temple.

Today’s Reflection:

The word “descendants” refer to those who came before or those who pioneered a certain lineage, and those who hold primacy over those who came later than them. This definition entails that succeeding generations “came down from” their descendants/ ancestors and is further evident when the founding father(s) are regarded with high reputation and prestige. It is also a common practice for succeeding generations to take pride and promote the value of what it means by descending from great men. However, this view of succession leads to a view that those who succeed from their descendants are less than the descendant. Thus, the Jews were deeply insulted and had negative reactions against Jesus’ claim of superiority. Their reactions do not only originate from doctrinal controversies but are also forms of their wounded pride and ego. Our Gospel invites us to reflect on this – are our righteous schemes motivated by benevolence, by ego, or by ill will? /Vulnerasti, 2022