The covenant made between God and Abraham reflects one of an intimate relationship. Meditating on it makes one feel comforted and consoled yet with a great sense of responsibility. This covenantal relationship entails a change of heart as in the change of name from 'Abram' to 'Abraham' which means 'father of a multitude'. This echoes how those who were baptized as adults where there was a change of heart as they embraced their faith in the Catholic Church with new names.

Similarly, the Gospel reading also reflects the intimate relationship between Jesus and Father God in revealing His true identity.

In response to the reaction of his Jewish opponents, Jesus repeated the defence that he is the one who knows and honours God while those who claim to be 'defending God' are in fact 'liars' (v.55). When Jesus said ".... before Abraham ever was, I AM" (v.58), the crowd were prepared to execute him as a punishment for blasphemy by stoning.

This is a challenge for us today as we continuing to strive to live out our Christian responsibility in words and actions in the midst of religious conflicts.

During this Lenten season, let us recommit ourselves to the call to be authentic followers of Christ in our daily living.