A Moment to Pause - Thursday 26th March, 5th Week of Lent #God #faith #messiah #cross #lent

Hello, everyone.  Welcome to a Moment to Pause today, the 26th of March. Today's gospel John Chapter 8 5:1-59 is focused on the identity of Jesus. A little earlier, he had presented himself as the light of the world, using at least three times the expression “I am”, that forcefully recalls God's name as it was revealed to Moses. Jesus goes on to say, “if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.” And he goes on to say that he has been sent by God, His father, to bring men and women freedom from sin and death. Jesus's words shocked those he was talking to, and even the reference to Abraham became a source of conflict. “Amen. Amen. I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” The Jews were outraged by the seeming blasphemy. They picked up stones to throw at him, but he hid and went out of the temple area. We see that at varying times, your disciples were also shocked, confused, and challenged by your words. We pray for open hearts and minds and a faith in you that sustains us at times when we are struggling to understand. Help us to see with new eyes. Help us to see as you see.