Today's reading tells us of the tremendous event that occurred in the life of the man named Abram. Out of sheer gratuitous love, God came to Abram and invited him 'to walk in his presence'. He promised Abram that He would be his God, and always care for him; that his descendants would be a great multitude of people. This is what his new name Abraham means, father of many nations. All these people would be his, living in the shade of his goodness and kindness. And a covenant was established between Abraham and God.

The Responsorial psalm echoes this covenant of love made by a faithful God (Ps. 104).

Jesus continues to tell the doubting and disdainful Jews 'who he is'. The God of Israel is His Father, the one whom Abraham longed for, the God of Israel, the one who invited him 'to walk in his presence'. They are amused. But their amusement turns to rage when he solemnly declared who he is, 'I am' (Ex. 3:14), the most sacred name, the name of God. This is blasphemy punishable by stoning. But he eludes them: His hour has not yet come, He has much more to say.

We are the descendants of Abraham. His faith paved the way for the coming of the Messiah, the Saviour. Jesus is the fulfillment.