Overview:

Thursday of the Fifth Week of Lent

A Reflection for Thursday of the Fifth Week of Lent

God also said to Abraham:
“On your part, you and your descendants after you
must keep my covenant throughout the ages.” (Gen. 17:9)

“Amen, amen, I say to you,
whoever keeps my word will never see death.” (Jn 8:51)

Find today’s readings here.

Today’s readings make some truly awesome promises.

In the first reading, God outlines the expansive terms of his covenant with Abraham and his descendants. In 123 words, he establishes a relationship with the Jewish people that lasts to this day.

In the Gospel, Jesus makes a promise that lies at the heart of our Christian faith—a promise to defeat death.

Both promises, however, come with an ask. To Abraham and his descendants, God says: “you must keep my covenant throughout the ages.” Meanwhile, Jesus says that “whoever keeps my words will never see death.”  

Keep my covenant. This is what God asked of the Jewish people. Keep my words. This is what Jesus asks of us today. 

The original Greek word for “keep” (τηρέω) can also be translated as “guard,” “observe” or “watch over.” Each of these verbs implies an active relationship. The act of following God’s word is not a one time task. It is a lifelong journey.

Which verb do you prefer? I can see the case for “guard” or “watch over.” These verbs call us to account, they ask something of us. That feels right.

But I think “keep” is best. When I consider keeping God’s word, I think about keeping it close to the heart, at the tip of the tongue. This is I think what Jesus is asking us—to keep him close. 

Let us keep Jesus in our minds and our hearts as he journeys toward Calvary. The reward for our devotion has been set before us. And it is more than we could have ever asked for.

Tim Reidy joined America’s staff in October 2006 and served as online editor for several years before moving into his current role as the deputy editor in chief. Tim oversees America’s newsroom, directing its daily news coverage as well as working with the editorial leadership team to plan each print issue. Tim also edits the magazine’s Ideas section, where he contributes book reviews and essays. Before joining America, he worked at the Hartford Courant, a newspaper in Connecticut, and Commonweal magazine. In addition to writing for America, he has contributed to The New York Times, the Columbia Journalism Review and the Princeton Alumni Weekly. He has been interviewed about the Catholic Church on WNYC in New York, ABC, Bloomberg TV and other media outlets. Tim also serves on the board of directors of Jesuit Refugee Service USA. He lives in Bronxville, N.Y., with his wife and two children.