Before Abraham Was, I Am - April 10th 2025

Summary

This reflection explores the significance of God's covenant with Abraham, highlighting the transformative power of his name change from Abram to Abraham. It emphasizes the deep responsibility Abraham bore as the father of many nations. The meditation then shifts to Jesus, asserting His eternal nature and divinity, with His claim 'Before Abraham was, I am' being a powerful affirmation of His presence in the lives of believers today. The speaker encourages an awareness of Jesus’ constant, intimate presence, offering comfort and guidance through life’s challenges. The meditation concludes with a prayer for deeper connection and awareness of God's presence.

Takeaways

• 😀 The figure of Abraham is central in the first reading, focusing on God's covenant with him, where God promises that Abraham will be the father of a multitude of nations.
• 😀 Abraham's name change from Abram (exalted father) to Abraham (father of a multitude) signifies a deep transformation and a new identity tied to his mission given by God.
• 😀 Abraham’s new name gives him a profound sense of responsibility, as he becomes a key figure in the identity of Israel, with future generations seeing themselves as his descendants.
• 😀 The pride of being a son or daughter of Abraham was significant in Israel's culture, symbolizing nobility, strength, and courage, especially during battles and challenges.
• 😀 Jesus, though also a descendant of Abraham, introduces a greater dignity, implying that his divine mission surpasses even Abraham's legacy.
• 😀 In the Gospel, Jesus affirms his divinity with the statement, 'Before Abraham was, I am,' showing his eternal existence as both true God and true man.
• 😀 Jesus’ eternal nature transcends time, and while he was born at a specific moment in history, he is always present and aware of our circumstances and struggles.
• 😀 Psalm 139 reflects the intimate relationship between Jesus and us, as he knows all our actions, thoughts, and emotions, whether in joy or suffering.
• 😀 We must not view Jesus as a historical figure from the past; he is alive and present with us today, involved in every aspect of our lives, sharing in both our happiness and difficulties.
• 😀 As we strive to follow Jesus, we are reminded that he is always present, watching over us, and guiding us, even when we feel distracted or distant from him.

Q & A

What is the significance of God changing Abram's name to Abraham in the script?

The change of Abram's name to Abraham marks a profound shift in his identity and mission. It signifies God's covenant with him, where Abraham is called to be the 'father of a multitude of nations,' indicating a new purpose that would shape his life and the lives of his descendants.

How does the change of Abraham's name reflect his responsibility and role in the Bible?

The name change to Abraham, meaning 'father of a multitude,' emphasizes the immense responsibility he carries. It not only defines his mission but also symbolizes the honor and legacy of being the forefather of the Israelites, who would later look up to him as their founding father.

What role does Abraham play in the identity of the Jewish people?

Abraham is considered the foundational figure of the Jewish people. His name evokes pride and nobility, as the Israelites often referred to themselves as 'children of Abraham,' recognizing him as the patriarch and symbol of their faith and heritage.

What is the deeper significance of Jesus' statement, 'Before Abraham was, I am'?

Jesus' statement, 'Before Abraham was, I am,' directly affirms his divinity. By using the term 'I am,' he claims eternal existence, asserting that he is not just older than Abraham but is, in fact, eternal and present at all times, revealing his divine nature as God.

Why were the Jews confused by Jesus' claim in the Gospel?

The Jews were confused because Jesus’ statement seemed to suggest that he was older than Abraham, which they couldn't comprehend. They failed to grasp that Jesus was asserting his eternal existence as God, not just referring to his earthly age.

How does the script explain the concept of Jesus being both eternal and human?

The script highlights that while Jesus took on human flesh at a specific time, he is eternally present, both divine and human. His eternal existence as God means he transcends time and space, making his presence real and immediate to believers.

What connection does Psalm 139 have with the message in the meditation?

Psalm 139 emphasizes God's intimate knowledge of us, describing how God is aware of our thoughts, actions, and struggles. The meditation uses this psalm to remind us that Jesus, in his divinity, knows our circumstances and is with us, personally involved in our lives.

How should we view Jesus in our prayers, according to the meditation?

According to the meditation, we should view Jesus as alive and present in our lives, not just as a figure of the past. He is intimately aware of our present struggles, joys, and challenges, making him a real and active part of our prayers and daily experiences.

What does the script say about how Jesus is present to us in the Eucharist?

The script stresses that when we receive Jesus in the Eucharist, his presence is made even more intense and real. This sacrament strengthens our awareness of his presence within us, deepening our connection with the divine.

What does the meditation suggest about God's watchfulness over us?

The meditation suggests that God watches over us with tender love, like a supportive figure cheering us on in our struggles. He is attentive to our actions, whether we succeed or face difficulties, providing strength and guidance as we navigate life.