The Gospel for The memorial of St. Athanasius is taken from St. Mark 10th chapter 22nd to the 30th verse. The visa of the dedication was taking place in Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus walked about in the temple area on the portico of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, how long are you going to keep us in suspense?

If you are the Christ, tell us plainly. Jesus answered them, I told you and you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify to me. But you do not believe because you are not among my sheep. My sheep hear my voice. I know them, they follow me.

I give them eternal life and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of my hand. My Father who has given them to me is greater than all. And no one can take them out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one. I love this gospel because it seems that Jesus is a little bit perturbed and angry.

He’s been saying things, doing things, giving signs, and still they say, would you please tell us who you are and what he says in. In response, he’s saying, listen, you have no idea how powerful I am and what I can do. And if you give yourself over to me, I will guarantee you will be safe and we will one day be one. What an incredible statement coming from a God who has the power to do just that. Believe in it. Trust in it.

Closing prayer Confidence. Father, give us faith. Let us live with faith so that we can be assured of the words that we listen to in this reading and know that there is nothing to fear about our salvation so long as we long for it, want it, desire it, and we ask this in Jesus name, Amen.