If

"If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples ... " - Jn 8:31

Notice anything unusual about our Responsorial Psalm today? First, it isn't from the Book of Psalms. It's from the Book of Daniel. Another unusual thing is what's happening at the moment when Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are singing this canticle of praise. They have been sentenced to die in the fiery furnace! They know their God can save them. But even if He won't, these men intend to remain faithful to the Lord (see Dan 3:17-18).

In today's Gospel reading, Jesus is talking to Jews who believed in Him. They think that their lineage through Abraham makes them God's children. Jesus points out that not all of the Jews were God's people. What does the Bible say? There were two sides to the covenant (emphasis added):

You have seen how I treated the Egyptians and how I bore you up on eagles' wings and brought you to myself. Now, if you obey me completely and keep my covenant, you will be my treasured possession among all peoples, though all the earth is mine (Ex 19:4-5).

We know the Israelites failed. Some of the new believers in Jesus will fail, too. Jesus' standard for a true disciple extends to us (emphasis added): "If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciple" (Jn 8:31).

Prayer: Lord, help me to be Your true disciple.

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