In today’s first reading from Genesis 17, we see a watershed moment in salvation history. Abram has his name changed to Abraham, and God makes a covenant with him. And in the Gospel reading, Jesus says, “Before Abraham came to be, I AM.” In saying this, He intimated to the people that He was the maker of that covenant with Abraham.
In our society today, we tend to think in terms of contract, not covenant. Many people look at marriage as a contractual agreement. But it isn’t. Marriage is a covenant. And a covenant is way different than a contract. A contract is for an exchange of goods and services. You do this for me, and I will give this to you. But a covenant is a mutual giving of persons. Listen to the covenant that God makes: “I will be your God and you shall be my people.” In essence, “I give myself to you, and you give yourself to me.”
We often think in terms of a contract with God, as well. "Okay, Lord, if I do more good stuff than bad in my life then you have to let me into heaven." That's so wrong-headed. We need more covenant thinking. "Lord, as you have given yourself freely and fully to me, I give myself freely and fully to you."
Father, we thank you for being our God. For always watching over us and giving yourself freely and fully to us. Help us today to give ourselves freely and completely to you. Amen.
There's still time to get copies of A Minute in the Church to give away at your parish at Easter. Order today at www.GusLloyd.com.
Because of you, my husband and I went to “I Can Only Imagine” yesterday. Thanks for the perfect Lenten gift. We loved it.
My husband and I use your Minute in the Church booklets for evangelizing when people ask us about our faith and the Church teachings. This week two non-Catholics approached him on two different occasions with such questions. He invited them to our church for Mass and will send them to your website for a good approach to Catholicism in ways that are non-threatening. God bless you for what you do, Gus🙏