Fr Paul reads from John’s Gospel (8: 31-42), where the Jews continues to contest Jesus’ assertion that He is the Son of God.

Fr Paul says the Gospel we hear today continues the confrontation of Jesus with the Jews in the temple. The argument centres on the Jews loyalty to Abraham. Abraham is the figure of faith for the Jews and during this dialogue it becomes clear that Abraham’s faith was in God and therefore faith in Jesus who is one with His Father. The Jews refuse to accept this and the rift which exists between Jesus and the Jewish leaders grows wider and wider.

Fr Paul identifies the controversies in the latest Gospels, and how the separation between the Jews and Jesus are expanding. Fr Paul says that this is setting the scene for what is going to take place in the coming days and weeks in our Easter celebrations.