say "i do" to i am
"When it takes place you may believe that I AM." —John 13:19
Jesus foretold that one of His apostles would betray Him so that, when it took place, the apostles would believe that Jesus is the I AM, that is, God (see Ex 3:14).
Even in front of a hostile crowd, Jesus said: "I solemnly declare it: before Abraham came to be, I AM" (Jn 8:58).
Jesus also promised that, after He was lifted up on the cross, many would realize that He was the I AM (Jn 8:28). Those who do not believe this will surely die in their sins (Jn 8:24).
When hundreds of soldiers came to arrest Jesus, they said they were seeking Jesus the Nazorean. Jesus said in response "I AM" (Jn 18:5, 6, 8). At this, "they retreated slightly and fell to the ground" (Jn 18:6).
Jesus repeatedly made it clear that He is the I AM, that is, God. Therefore, we must do more than talk to Him. We must worship Him. Serving Him is not enough. Only our total commitment is the appropriate response to the great I AM. When we believe Jesus is the great I AM, we know, as St. Athanasius did, that giving Him all of our money, possessions, energy, and time is both the most and the least we can do. Say "I do" to I AM.
Prayer: Jesus, my Lord, my God, my All! (see Jn 20:28)
Promise: "The favors of the Lord I will sing forever; through all generations my mouth shall proclaim Your faithfulness." —Ps 89:2
Praise: Athanasius almost single-handedly rescued the Church from the heresy of Arianism, which maintained that Jesus was not divine. He believed so strongly that Jesus was God that he was exiled six times during his life.
Reference: (For related teaching, order our leaflet, Accepting Jesus as Lord, Savior, and God.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Edward J. Gratsch, October 10, 1995
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 13, 1995