Thought for the Day 26th March
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,Imagine standing in the temple, hearing Jesus boldly proclaim: "Very truly, I tell you, whoever keeps my word will never see death." The crowd erupts in mockery—"Abraham died, the prophets died! Do you have a demon?"—and then Jesus drops the divine bomb: "Before Abraham was, I am." Stones fly, but he slips away. This is no mere debate; it's a clash between eternity and blindness. Today's Gospel from John reveals Jesus as the eternal "I AM," the God who conquers death for those who cling to his word. In this tense exchange, Jesus promises life beyond death—not dodging the grave of the body, but the eternal death of the soul. St. Thomas Aquinas explains: Christ speaks of "spiritual and eternal death," which his word defeats, like a seed preserved to bear eternal fruit. The Jews, trapped in earthly thinking, miss it, accusing him of lies inspired by demons. Yet Jesus turns the tables: Abraham rejoiced to see my day; he saw it and was glad, glimpsing the Messiah in faith. Then comes the thunderclap—"Before Abraham was, I am"—echoing God's name to Moses. Aquinas notes this mixes past and present to affirm eternal existence, embracing all time in one indivisible instant. No creaturely "I was," but divine "I AM," begotten not made.Think of it like this: a young father, facing his child's terminal illness, clings to Jesus' words amid hospital beeps and tears. Does he taste eternal death? No—keeping Christ's word plants hope that outlives the body, as the Catena Aurea teaches: Abraham "rejoiced in hope, believing, and so by faith saw." Or recall modern skeptics scrolling doubts online, stoning truth with cynicism, blind to the eternal Christ who hid from their grasp then, but invites us now.So, what does this mean for us today? In a world chasing fleeting glory—social media likes, endless youth—Jesus calls us to keep his word through daily faith and action: meditate on Scripture, obey his commandments, love as he loves. It's not magic; it's union with the eternal God who glorifies us through his Son.Here's your concrete step: Tonight, read John 8 slowly. Let it sink in: "Whoever keeps my word will never see death." Share it with a doubting friend. Live it by forgiving an enemy this week. Eternity starts now.In conclusion, brothers and sisters, reject the stones of unbelief. Embrace the I AM who offers undying life. Let us pray: Lord Jesus, eternal Word, help us keep your sayings faithfully. Draw us from death to your unending day. Amen.