Covenant

Readings for Thursday April 2, 2009

First Reading:  Genesis 17:3-9

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 105

Gospel:  John 8:51-59

I will maintain my covenant with you and your descendants after you throughout the ages as an everlasting pact, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you.

I will give to you and to your descendants after you the land in which you are now

staying, the whole land of Canaan, as a permanent possession; and I will be their God.God also said to Abraham:  "On your part, you and your descendants after you must keep my covenant throughout the ages." Genesis (17:7-9)

In today's old testament reading, we see God making a covenant with Abraham, but what exactly is a covenant?  Is it a contract that each party must sign, is it a formal agreement with lawyers present, is it merely a shaking of the hands and a mutual agreement?  No, a covenant is much more than all of these things, a covenant is a solemn vow by each party who promises to uphold their end, otherwise there will be severe consequence.  A covenant is much more than a contract or handshake, because it involves each party being active in the covenant and working to uphold and keep it.  Obviously for God, making and keeping a covenant is no problem, but for us it tends to be very difficult.  Because of our fallen nature, we tend to slip and fall many times in our lives, but we shouldn't stay down or turn away from God and the promises that He has made, it is in those moments that we must pray and ask for God's help and forgiveness in keeping up our end of the covenant.  

In the new covenant we are bound to God as His people, as well as bound to each other (body of Christ).  In this new covenant we have been given the promise of life and redemption.  This is why in today's gospel Jesus tells us, "Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever keeps my word will never see death."  If we are willing to do our part in this new covenant and continue to follow Christ with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, then we will surely live and not taste death.  

Today, reflect on the words of the psalmist, "The Lord remembers His covenant for ever." 

Father above, we thank you for the gift of this day.  We thank you and give you praise for loving us so much and for giving us a way to you through your Son Jesus Christ.  Lord, help us to go out and serve you with all that we have and all that we are.  Help us to never lose faith or trust in your covenant, and in your promises.  Lord, we are your people who wish to be with you in heaven one day, help us persevere to the end.  We ask this all through Christ our Lord.  Amen.