21 April 2016 - as promised

[ Today's Readings ]

From this man’s descendants God, according to his promise,
has brought to Israel a savior, Jesus. 

LORD, you are the promise fulfilled.

You are faithful to the children of Israel throughout history. You guide them and protect them because you love them. You raise up great prophets and leaders to protect and guide them. Among these none are greater than John the Baptist (see Luke 7:28). But even John must say, "I am not he."

This leads the world to ask, 'Who is?' and 'What does that mean?'

From now on I am telling you before it happens,
so that when it happens you may believe that I AM. 

You are, LORD. 

‘What is his name?’ what shall I say to them?” God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” (see Exodus 3:14)

You are the fullness of being. You are not simply one thing among many.

who is the refulgence of his glory,
the very imprint of his being,
and who sustains all things by his mighty word (see Hebrews 1:3)

It is overwhelming to realize this. Because you look like one among many. Your flesh is like our flesh. The human nature which you take to yourself is like our nature. But for you this is no limit. Combined to the ineffable Godhead this human nature becomes the source of fulfillment for all of the promises you make. Godhead alone is too distant and incommunicable. Human nature alone is too weak and partial. Combined in you is the Yes of God, the fidelity of God, and the love of God for all of his people throughout all of history.

For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory. And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us (see Second Corinthians 1:20).

Help us to believe, LORD. Send people in your name to help us. Give us the grace to receive them so that we can receive you and the one who sent you. We ask with the synagogue officials "My brothers, if one of you has a word of exhortation for the people, please speak." Exhort us. Bring us to believe you when you say, "I AM".

“My faithfulness and my mercy shall be with him,
and through my name shall his horn be exalted.
He shall say of me, ‘You are my father,
my God, the Rock, my savior.’”