I AM WHO I AM

 

God is true, just and faithful.

Reflection on Today’s Readings, Thursday of 15th Week in Ordinary Time, Year I, July 20th, 2023
Texts: Exodus 3:13-20; Ps105:1.5.8-9.24-27; Matthew 11:28-30
During the time of Moses there were many gods and they all had names. Asking for God’s name is asking for who He is among various gods. Moses said, "If I come to the sons of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you, ’and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’" God answered,  “I AM WHO I AM.” “Say this to the sons of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.”’
The name 'I AM WHO I AM' means God ever remains Himself; as He was yesterday so He is today and forever He will be. In God there is no shadow of alteration or change. This affirms that God is true, just and faithful. He is ever the same and new.
The author of letter to the Hebrews calls Jesus the name 'I AM WHO I AM' when he says, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" (13:8). On this note he encourages us to hold fast to our traditional teaching. If, holding fast to the teaching, God saved our past leaders, He will also save us by following their path.
The author says, "Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you; consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings" (13:7-9). Hence, Jesus invites us today to learn from him, that we might have rest for our souls (Mt. 11: 28-30). Jesus Christ is true, just and faithful; there is no double standards in Him. There is no deception in Christ.
The name, I AM, expresses the truth that He is always; He has no beginning and no end. God is eternal. He is beyond history and time. There was no time that He was not and there will be no time that He will not. On this note our faith in Him will never fail us because He will always be there to save us.
Prayer
God our Father, grant us the grace to believe firmly that You are true, faithful and just. May we come to Christ, your Son, to learn from Him and have rest for our souls. Amen.
Fr. Andrew Olowomuke