Thursday of the Fifth Week of Lent (Homily/Sermon)

Theme: “God Keeps His Promises: A Covenant That Lasts”
Readings: Genesis 17:3–9 | Psalm 105:4–9 | Gospel Acclamation: Psalm 95:8 | John 8:51–59

🌅 Today’s readings take us to the heart of our faith: God is a covenant-making and covenant-keeping God. In a world of broken promises and quick exits, this is our anchor: The Lord remembers His covenant forever.

😂 Have you ever tried making a “New Year’s resolution” and forgot it by the 3rd of January? We humans are good at forgetting—even forgetting what we promised ourselves! But God? He never forgets. When He says, “I will be your God”—He means it. Forever.

📖 In Genesis 17, God establishes a covenant with Abram—changing his name to Abraham, giving him a new identity, and promising him descendants and land. But this wasn’t just a legal contract—it was a relationship of faithfulness and trust.

In John 8, Jesus reveals something mind-blowing:

“Before Abraham was, I AM.”

He’s not just claiming to be older—He’s claiming to be God. The God who made the covenant with Abraham. The God who doesn’t forget. The people are shocked, even angry, because Jesus challenges their entire religious understanding. But He’s inviting them into something deeper—to recognise Him as the living fulfilment of God's eternal promise.

✝ At the Eucharist, we enter into the new and everlasting covenant. Jesus is not just the fulfiller of the promise; He IS the promise—broken for us, given to us, dwelling with us.

When we say “Do this in memory of Me”, it’s not because Jesus forgot—it’s so we don’t.

❓ Question for Reflection

Am I living as a child of the covenant?
Do I trust in God's promises when life feels uncertain or silent?

🛠️ Daily Practical Application

• Recall one promise God has made to you in Scripture. Write it down. Pray with it.

• Be a person of your word today—let your “yes” mean yes.

• Keep a small commitment today—to yourself, your family, or someone in need.

💔 For Those Who Encounter Difficulties

When life feels like God has gone silent, remember: His silence is not His absence. He may not be early, but He is never late. He remembered Abraham. He will remember you.

🕊️ What Can I Do During the Jubilee Year?

• Recommit to your baptismal promises—live as a true disciple.

• Write a letter of faith to a younger family member—share how God has been faithful to you.

• Build or join a community project that reflects God’s covenant love—feeding schemes, healing ministries, mentorship.

🇿🇦 In Mzansi, we’ve seen broken promises from many corners—leaders, institutions, even each other. But the Church must be a place where God’s promise is still spoken and lived. Let’s be known not by what we say, but by how we keep covenant with each other.

💬 Inspiration Quote

“God’s promises are not limited by our timelines—they are rooted in His faithfulness.”

🧱 Pilgrims of Hope

As Pilgrims of Hope, we walk through a world of uncertainty—carrying a message that is unshakable: God remembers. God delivers. God stays.

Even when we doubt, delay, or wander—He remains faithful. That is the covenant, and that is our strength.

🙏 Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,

Thank You for remembering Your promises.
Even when I forget You, You do not forget me.
Help me to live as a child of the covenant—faithful, hopeful, and trusting.
In this Jubilee Year, renew my faith in Your eternal Word.
Amen.