April 10, 2025
by Vivian Amu
Creighton University's Department of Interdisciplinary Leadership in Education
click here for photo and information about the writer

Weekly Guide for Daily Prayer

“…...Who do you make yourself out to be?” – John 8:53

At this point in the Lenten season, we are invited to reflect on our identity, commitment, and the nature of our relationship with God and one another. We are reminded that our identities are neither isolated nor static. Our identities are part of a larger shared narrative of experiences and values. They are shaped by our faith, our commitments, and our connections with those around us. The readings invite us to think about how we define and understand ourselves in relation to God and one another.

God changed Abram’s name to Abraham, a significant act symbolizing a new identity and purpose. An act that challenges us to engage with our own narratives and consider how our names might change as we respond to divine invitations in our lives. I remember when I chose a confirmation name when I received the sacrament of confirmation many years ago; I felt the responsibility of that new stage of my spiritual journey. Even though it was not compulsory to pick a saint name, I did so to mark that stage, and to remember the promise I was making in God's presence.

Our names and identities change as our vocations change, as our families grow, as we age and transition through life stages. What if God has the same message for us as was told to Abraham? What if God is saying to you today that you are no longer who you think you are or who everyone else says you are? What if God told you today that you are more vital to the kingdom of heaven than you know, and that your life has meaning and purpose far beyond the present moment? This may challenge us to re-evaluate our priorities and the sources from which we draw our sense of identity. Abraham was called to respond to a greater purpose, and he did respond. Jesus was called to respond to a greater purpose, and he did. We are being called each day to respond and to re-root our identities in Christ.

In today's Gospel, Jesus identifies himself confidently, but he is confronted with skepticism and hostility. This mirrors the challenges we encounter today when striving to live authentically in alignment with our beliefs. There is pressure to conform and remain silent in the face of injustice or uncomfortable truths; there is a temptation to default to cynicism. This can be overwhelming, at least for many of us. Yet, when we reflect on Jesus's example of steadfastness, we find inspiration to stand firm in our convictions, even when faced with opposition. Today, we are encouraged to be courageous, hopeful, and be empowered to push back against the darkness and hostility that prevents us from embracing our identities in every way our identities intersect. Maybe we could find comfort in knowing that who we are and how we live stretches beyond historical context and the impermanence of life. Maybe we could also find comfort in knowing that what really matters is who God says we are.

Merciful God, help us live out our faith in a way that has a positive ripple effect far beyond the present moment. Help us live fully, purposefully, and with certainty in our spiritual identities. Grant us a faith that acknowledges life's fragility and celebrates its divine promise. Amen.