Today's gospel in Lent, 10 April
"Before Abraham was, I am."
In today's gospel Jesus reveals that he has always been, that he has always been with God the Father, and that he created all things with the Father. As we move towards Holy Week, we can reflect on how it is Christ's eternal and divine nature that makes him able to bring God's healing, wholeness and salvation to the world and to us as people. This is our Christian faith and the source of Christian hope.
Collects
Most merciful God,
who by the death and resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ
delivered and saved the world:
Grant that by faith in him who suffered on the cross,
we may triumph in the power of his victory;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Almighty and everlasting God,
you hate nothing that you have made
and forgive the sins of all those who are penitent:
Create and make in us new and contrite hearts
that we, worthily lamenting our sins
and acknowledging our wretchedness,
may receive from you, the God of all mercy,
perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
The Christ Pantocrator of Saint Catherine's Monastery, Mount Sinai. 6th century AD
Unknown artist, public domain,
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=150833363
Today's gospel John 8:51-59
Very truly, I tell you, whoever keeps my word will never see death.’ The Jews said to him, ‘Now we know that you have a demon. Abraham died, and so did the prophets; yet you say, “Whoever keeps my word will never taste death.” Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? The prophets also died. Who do you claim to be?’ Jesus answered, ‘If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, he of whom you say, “He is our God”, though you do not know him. But I know him; if I were to say that I do not know him, I would be a liar like you. But I do know him and I keep his word. Your ancestor Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day; he saw it and was glad.’ Then the Jews said to him, ‘You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?’ Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, before Abraham was, I am.’ So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple.
Sacred Space
You can find a gentle devotional guide here:
https://sacredspace.com/daily-prayer/2025-04-10/
Christian Art
You can read or listen to a reflection on this gospel here:
https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/john-8-51-59-2025/