ETERNAL COVENANT IN CHRIST

Meditation for Thursday of the Fifth Week of Lent

(Gen 17:3-9; Jn 8:51-59)

God made a covenant with Abraham and promised to make him the father of a multitude of nations. That means Abraham would have a fatherhood beyond what flesh and blood can offer. It is almost like declaring an eternal fatherhood in his name. God promised to make him ‘exceedingly fruitful.’ Then, God promised a new covenant with Abraham and his descendants, “Throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your descendants after you.” Abraham believed in God and longed for the fulfilment of His promises.

In Jesus is the fulfilment of God’s covenant with Abraham. Jesus is the one who gathers all nations under one fatherhood, and He unites the heavenly and earthly realms (Cf. Gal 3:28; Phil 3:20). In Jesus is the everlasting covenant, which qualifies us to call God, Abba, Father! (Rm 8:15). Hence, Jesus declares, “Truly, truly, I say to you, if any one keeps my word, he will not see death.” Yes, to abide in an eternal covenant in Christ Jesus is to live eternally.  This is the reality Abraham longed for. “Your father Abraham rejoiced that he was to see my day; he saw and was glad.” Thus, Jesus explains that He is the destination of Abraham’s longing. That means Abraham’s pilgrimage ends in Jesus Christ.

 

The Jews got the message clearly: that he who fills and eternal promise must be eternal himself! Since they refuse to believe, they began to accuse of blasphemy, and picked up stones to throw at Him… However, for us who believe, we share in the joy of Abraham that all our longings have their destination in Christ Jesus. As children of the eternal and universal fatherhood under Christ, the grace we have as God’s children traverses the limitations imposed by flesh and blood.

 

Fr Jude Chiwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Thursday March 30^th, 2023

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

29^th Lenten Meditation