BEFORE ABRAHAM WAS I AM

PRAYER PAUSE

Thursday 6 April 2017

BEFORE ABRAHAM WAS I AM

Pause. Enter into the stillness of God within.

Reading: Jesus said, “I tell you most solemnly, before Abraham ever was, I am.” (John 8:51-59)

Reflection. We are aware of a new phrase entering political comment: push back! It is used to describe the civic response, for instance, to Donald Trump’s hostility to immigrants. People in the US are protesting, they are “pushing back.” As we approach Holy Week the conflict between Jesus and “the Jews”, representing all those down the ages who oppose him, is sharpening. The Jews reach back further and further; first it was Moses and now it is Abraham who is their anchor. But Jesus pushes back and says, “Abraham would have rejoiced to see my Day: he saw it and was glad.” The Jews continue to flounder. They have no response. They are stuck in their limited world view.

Prayer. Lord, help us to notice when we refuse to open our door, preferring the comfort of our own home to the knock of the visitor.  Amen.