Day 37: Before Abraham Was, I Am – Discerning Hearts Podcast

0:00Aletan spiritual journey with discerning hearts from ashes to glory. Day 37 Before Abraham was, I am, a reading from the Holy Gospel according to John, chapter 8 verses 51 through 59. Jesus said to the Jews, I tell you solemnly, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death. The Jews said, now we know that you are possessed. Abraham is dead and the prophets are dead. And yet you say, if anyone keeps my word, he will never know the taste of death. Are you greater than our father, Abraham, who is dead? The prophets are dead too. Who are you claiming to be?

1:00Jesus answered, if I were to seek my own glory, that would be no glory at all. My glory is conferred by the Father, by the one of whom you say, he is our God, although you do not know him. But I know him, and if I were to say, I do not know him, I should be a liar as you are. But I do know him, and I keep his word. Your Father Abraham rejoiced to think that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad. The Jews then said, you are not 50 yet and you have seen Abraham. Jesus replied, I tell you solemnly before Abraham ever was, I am. At this they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and left the temple. This gospel reaches a dramatic and profound turning point. Jesus reveals not only his mission, but his identity.

2:03Before Abraham was, I am. It is a name that echoes the voice of God from the burning bush, a claim that leaves no room for ambiguity. Jesus is not merely a prophet or a teacher. He is the eternal one, the word made flesh. But what does this mean for us, especially in these final days of land? It means that in Christ we are not following a distant ideal. We are being invited into a communion with the living God. Len is not just about moral effort, it's about relationship. To keep his word, as Jesus says, is to remain in that relationship. Faithful, trusting, open. And yet we know how hard that can be. There are days we feel distant. Times when questions cloud our faith. Moments when silence feels louder than the presence of God. Like those in today's gospel, we can be tempted to react with skepticism or resistance,

3:06especially when Jesus asks for deeper surrender. But Len teaches us to stay in the conversation, to ask, not with cynicism, but with longing. Who are you claiming to be? And to listen for his answer? Jesus does not force belief. He reveals, patiently and truthfully, again and again. St. Trees of Calcutta once said. When you look at the crucifix, you understand how much Jesus loved you. When you look at the sacred host, you understand how much Jesus loves you now. And from a vagress ponticus, one of the great voices of early Christian wisdom. If you are a theologian, you will pray truly. And if you pray truly, you are a theologian. To stay close to Jesus, we need prayer. God is an obligation, but as an encounter.

4:09We need silence to listen, scripture to anchor us, and people who can walk with us when the path feels unclear. God has not left us alone. And Jesus, the great I am, does not abandon his own. Jesus said to the Jews, I tell you solemnly, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death. The Jews said, now we know that you are possessed. Abraham is dead and the prophets are dead. And yet you say, if anyone keeps my word, he will never know the taste of death. Are you greater than our father, Abraham, who is dead? The prophets are dead too. Who are you claiming to be? Jesus answered. If I were to seek my own glory, that would be no glory at all. My glory is conferred by the Father, by the one of whom you say, he is our God, although

5:12you do not know him. But I know him, and if I were to say, I do not know him, I should be a liar as you are. But I do know him, and I keep his word. Your father, Abraham, rejoiced to think that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad. The Jews then said, you are not 50 yet, and you have seen Abraham. Jesus replied, I tell you solemnly before Abraham ever was, I am. At this they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and left the temple. What does Jesus' identity as I am mean for your life today? Are there places of resistance or fear in your heart where Christ is inviting deeper trust?

6:13How can prayer help you remain in relationship with the living God today? Jesus you are the eternal Word, the living God who calls us to communion. Help us to keep your Word not only with our lips, but with our lives. Teach us to stay with you in prayer even when we do not understand. Open our hearts to the mystery of who you are, and let that truth lead us into deeper love, deeper freedom, and deeper faith. Amen.