Thursday, April 11

Today’s Prayer and Reflection:

Whoever keeps my word will never see death. (John 8:51)

If you were to take an immersion language course in Spanish, from the moment you enter the classroom until the moment you leave, every word you hear and every word you speak would be in Spanish. No English. Not a single word. Similarly, we could say that in today’s Gospel, Jesus is conducting an immersion class in the language of heaven.

A long debate between Jesus and his opponents has brought them to the question of his claim to be the Son of God. “It is my Father who glorifies me,” he tells them (John 8:54). “I know him. . . and I keep his word” (8:55). His opponents can’t seem to settle on who they think he is: “Where is your Father?” “Who are you?” “You are a Samaritan” “You are possessed.” “Who do you make yourself out to be?” (John 8:19, 25, 48, 52, 53).

Nearly two millennia of Old Testament history had brought Jesus and the Jewish authorities to this point of impasse. These were faithful Jews intent on honoring God’s covenant with Abraham. But Jesus insists that he himself is the fulfillment of God’s covenant promises. Their focus on their long-held expectations blocks their understanding. But Jesus doesn’t give up. He continues to show them an unimaginable future in which Abraham is waiting for them.

Jesus is still leading us today. Every day he is at the top of a hill looking over into a beautiful land and inviting us to join him: “Whoever keeps my word will never see death” (John 8:51). He is asking us to trust him and to follow him into that new promised land.

Let’s believe Jesus today. Let’s keep his word today and every day until we have made it over the hill and into our new home. We do that by fixing our eyes on Jesus. His cross is like a trail marker; it points us to the path of self-giving love. His resurrection tells us that our biggest obstacles, sin and death, have been defeated. And his ascension tells us that the gates of heaven have been opened—for all of us!

“Jesus, I believe that you are the way to heaven. Help me to turn from any paths that do not lead to you.”

Reprinted with permission of The Word Among Us, 7115 Guilford Dr #100, Frederick, MD 21704, wau.org.

Today’s Announcements:

• Happy Birthday to Grace Kirby!
• The Science Honor Society will begin meeting this week to plan the May blood drive. The meetings will have two options: Tuesday mornings in room 201 or Tuesday afternoons in room 202. This week we will be brainstorming themes and committee signups. Remember that your attendance is required for a Science Honor Society cord. Also, the red cord verification forms are available with Mrs. Worrel and Mrs. Lawson. Verification forms are due no later than May 5.
• Adopt a duck! The Bethesda Duck Race will be held on Saturday, May 4, at Gulf Shores Waterpark. There will be someone here on Monday, April 15, to sell tickets for ducks. They are also seeking 15 volunteers to help with the duck race. If you are interested in adopting a duck or helping out please see the representative on Monday in the cafeteria.
• Students please bring your items for the Little Sisters of the Poor nursing home this week. There is a table set up in the foyer to place your items on.
• Class officer elections will take place during English classes and eighth grade computer classes. There is to be no active campaigning while you are voting. Results will be posted as soon as possible. Campaign materials must be taken down by the end of today. Please do not forget to remove these; good leaders follow directions!
• Student Council Representative applications are available in the front office. They are due back Monday by 3:30pm to Mrs. Buckley in room 200. There will be a campaign rules meeting Monday after school in room 200.
• The varsity track team will compete in the 2A Divisional Meet to be held in Pass Christian today.