The readings invite us to deeply reflect on the unwavering faithfulness of God’s enduring promises and challenge us to recognize the depth of His commitment to us, even when we falter.
In Genesis 17:3-9, God renews His covenant with Abraham, promising him numerous descendants and the land of Canaan. This covenant is not just a temporal agreement but an eternal promise that transcends generations.
God binds Himself to His people in a relationship of faithfulness, love, and mercy, which is not dependent on human performance but on His unchanging nature. This covenant, which seemed so distant and unreachable to the people of Israel, points forward to the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ.
Psalm 105:4-9 further reminds us that God remembers His promises and acts in accordance with His word, even when human history is marked by disobedience and suffering. God is not distant or passive; He actively remembers and fulfills His covenant. This psalm encourages us to recall His mighty deeds and to trust in His continued faithfulness, especially during times of uncertainty.
In the Gospel of John 8:51-59, Jesus reveals a profound connection between Himself and the covenant promises of the Old Testament. When He declares, “before Abraham was, I AM,” He is not only claiming divinity but also affirming that He is the fulfillment of God’s eternal promise. Jesus is the living Word, the one who brings the fullness of God’s covenant to fruition, offering eternal life through His death and resurrection. In this passage, Jesus shows that the covenant is not just a historical reality but a living, active force that transforms our present and future.
As we journey through Lent, the message of God’s unbreakable covenant calls us to renewal. Even when we are tempted to despair or feel distant from God, we are reminded that He remembers His promises forever. This eternal faithfulness should inspire us to respond with trust and commitment. The Lord’s covenant is not just an ancient promise; it is alive today in the person of Jesus Christ, who calls us into a deeper relationship with Him. Lent is a time to return to that covenant, to trust in God’s mercy, and to align our lives more closely with His will, knowing that He will never forget His covenant with us.
Sr. Gifty Anastasia Blewu, SMMC
( Sister Communicator)
