Homily for Thursday of the 5th Week of Lent

Jesus's words have a deep-rooted significance that goes back to Abraham's time and even further back to the beginning of time. When Jesus said, "Before Abraham was, I AM," He was identifying Himself as God, the one who always exists.

The Gospel of John presents Jesus as more than just a fulfillment of Abraham's faith and hope. John sees Jesus as one with God before the creation of the universe. John understands that God led Israel's history forward to the day when the eternal Word became human as Jesus, the Son of Mary

For Christians, Jesus is the Lord of our history. His plans will remain unfulfilled until all nations are united as one faith and family. St. Paul echoes this sentiment when he says that through baptism in Christ, we have all become one. There is no longer division based on origin, wealth, or social status. All those who are one in Christ are descendants of Abraham and inherit all that was promised to him and his offspring.