The “I Am” motif is found in the Scriptures of all religions in the East as well as the West.
In the Bible, God is the great “I am”. This is what He said to Moses in Exodus 3: 13: “I Am Who Am” “I Am” sent me to you”.
In the Hindu Scriptures, we read: “I am the Father of the World…I am the Beginningness Unborn”.
The Christian mystics enriched us with their “I am” poetry and prayers. Hildegard of Bingen offers: God says, “I am the Day unto Myself – not formed by the sun, but rather forming the sun, igniting it.”
And Julian of Norwich: “I am the Sovereign Good of all things…this I am – the Endless Fulfilling of all Desires.”
Of course, “I am” poems and prayers are the very rock of our own Celtic Spirituality.
Jesus declares His own “I am’s” on several occasions in St. John’s Gospel; they offer a powerful insight into His relationship – and ours- to the Father:
- I am the bread of life: John 6:35. He is telling us that He is our Life and that we don’t need to look elsewhere for spiritual food to sustain us.
- I am the light of the world: John 8:12. Jesus says that He is the light of our lives and promises that He is always there to guide us to the light, even in our darkest moments.
- I am the door: John 10:7 Jesus is telling us that there is no other door to eternal life except through him.
- I am the good shepherd: John 10:11 here we are reminded of Jesus’ care and concern for each one of us – he assures us that he is always there to protect us and seek us out when we stray and lose our way.
- I am the resurrection and the life: John 11:25 Jesus spoke these words to a heart-broken sister after the death of her brother, Lazarus.
- I am the way, the truth and the life: John 14 :6 Jesus is the truth we are all looking for – there is no other way to find true life except through him.
- I am the true vine: John 15:1 This is a powerful portrayal of Jesus’ relationship with us, telling us that ultimately the purpose of our fruitfulness is to give glory to God.
Invitation:
Using your Bible, take the seven “I am” statements of Jesus for prayer and reflection over the next while
You might consider writing your own “I am” prayer- poem!
Jesus’ statement “Before Abraham was I am” John 8:58. Is a powerful affirmation of His identity and pre-existence and of His connection to His Father.
B. O’ S.