God’s vision for us

Reflection on Today’s Readings, Thursday of 5th Week of Lent B, March 21st, 2024
Texts: Genesis 17:3-9; Psalm 105:4-9; John 8:51-59
God’s vision for us is what is beyond our imagination and can only be accomplished by His power. Abram was still without a child when God changed his name and promised to make him father of many nations. God says, “No longer shall your name be Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come forth from you.”
God also promised Abraham the land of Canaan at the time he was insignificant in the land. We read, “And I will give to you, and to your descendants after you, the land of your sojourning, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God." Abraham had no heir as at the time God talked of his descendants, inheriting the land of Canaan.  
God’s vision is impossible to reason, it is only possible to faith. It is only by faith we can hope for such promise. We can see why the Jews were at longer head with Jesus. It was because they had no faith in Him; they did not accept Him as the Christ, the Son of God. Without faith we cannot accomplish God’s vision for us.  
God tells us in the first reading that keeping His covenant is necessary for attaining His vision for us. He puts it thus: “As for you, you shall keep my covenant, you and your descendants after you throughout their generations.” Jesus Christ tells us that it is necessary to keep His words to have eternal life. He says, "Truly, truly, I say to you, if any one keeps my word, he will never see death."
Prayer
Be near, O Lord, to those who plead before you, and look kindly on those who place their hope in your mercy, that, cleansed from the stain of their sins, they may persevere in holy living and be made full heirs of your promise. Amen  
Fr. Andrew Olowomuke