Before Abraham Was, I AM – Embracing the Covenant on the Fifth Week of Lent
Fifth Week of Lent Reflection
As we journey through the final days of Lent, the Scriptures for this Thursday of the Fifth Week of Lent invite us to reflect on the eternal nature of God’s promises—and the bold, unwavering identity of Jesus Christ.
The Everlasting Covenant (Genesis 17:3–9)
In the first reading, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment in salvation history. God speaks directly to Abram, renaming him Abraham—“father of a host of nations.” This is not just a new name; it’s a divine declaration. Abraham is being entrusted with something monumental: an everlasting covenant.
“I will maintain my covenant with you and your descendants after you… to be your God and the God of your descendants after you.” (Genesis 17:7)
God’s promise is both deeply personal and profoundly communal. It’s a promise of land, lineage, and a relationship with the Divine that will span generations. This covenant becomes the spiritual foundation not only for the Jewish people but for all who call Abraham their spiritual father.
Yet, this covenant comes with a responsibility—“you and your descendants… must keep my covenant.” Faithfulness is a two-way street.
“Before Abraham Was, I AM” (John 8:51–59)
In the Gospel of John, we are met with a moment that shakes the foundations of religious understanding. Jesus, engaged in a heated dialogue with the Jews, makes a declaration so radical, it leads to an attempt on His life:
“Before Abraham came to be, I AM.” (John 8:58)
This statement isn’t just provocative—it’s divine. Jesus is not merely saying He existed before Abraham; He is using the very name God used for Himself when speaking to Moses at the burning bush: I AM (Exodus 3:14). With these words, Jesus is not hinting at His divinity—He is proclaiming it.
The people’s reaction is immediate: they pick up stones. This moment reveals just how radical Jesus’ claim is. To them, it’s blasphemy. To us, it is a revelation.
Connecting the Covenant to the Cross
These two readings, while separated by centuries in human history, are deeply connected in God’s plan of salvation. Abraham’s covenant was a promise that reached forward through time. Jesus, as the fulfillment of that promise, stands not only in continuity with Abraham but in divine authority over all creation.
In Lent, we are called to examine our own fidelity to the covenant. Are we keeping God’s word as Jesus said? Do we trust in the eternal nature of Christ, who speaks not just with wisdom, but with the voice of “I AM”?
Lenten Reflection Questions:
What does it mean for me that Jesus is eternal—”before Abraham was”?
How am I keeping my part of the covenant with God in my daily life?
What areas of my heart still resist Jesus’ authority and identity?
A Prayer for Today:
Lord, you made an everlasting covenant with Abraham, and in Christ, you fulfilled every promise. Help me to hear your voice, trust your word, and recognize Jesus as the great I AM. Strengthen me in this Lenten journey, that I may walk in your covenant and prepare my heart for the Resurrection. Amen.
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Did You Pray Today?
Daily prayer is a powerful way to strengthen your faith, find peace, and invite God’s presence into your life. Even a few moments of prayer can bring clarity, comfort, and spiritual renewal. Whether you are starting your day, taking a break, or preparing for sleep, these short yet meaningful prayers help you stay connected to God.
Take a moment now to pray:
The Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Our Father (The Lord’s Prayer)
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
The Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
A Daily Habit of Prayer: These prayers take less than a minute, yet they bring us closer to God each day. Keep prayer at the center of your life and experience His love and guidance.
Walking in Faith, Growing in Grace
Every day is an opportunity to draw closer to God. In prayer, in scripture, and in the moments of stillness, He speaks to our hearts. Faith is not just about knowing—it’s about living, trusting, and walking in His light.
Through life’s joys and challenges, we are called to remain steadfast, to seek Him in all things, and to reflect His love in our words and actions. Even the smallest acts of faith— a whispered prayer, a kind word, a moment of gratitude— bring us deeper into His presence.
May this space be a source of encouragement, reflection, and renewal for you. Wherever you are on your journey, know that God is with you. Keep the faith, stay rooted in prayer, and continue seeking His truth.