A Latin 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? 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 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,

before Abraham was, I am.

It is a name that echoes the voice of God from the burning bush,

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