There is a striking paradox in today's reading. At the beginning Jesus says that those who keep his word will "never see death". Because Jesus came that we might have life, life in abundance. His opponents, taking Him literally as usual, point out to great patriarchs like Abraham, who are dead and could not give life to others. Is Jesus greater than them? Jesus' reply is in their eyes horrific: "Before Abraham ever was, I AM." Jesus takes to Himself the very title of God, a name the Jews dared not even utter. They immediately want to stone Him to death for blasphemy. But "Jesus hid Himself and left the Temple." Words of deep significance. The Godhead was indeed hidden in the man Jesus and many could not see it. It will be hidden most of all on the cross and yet will be also made manifest there; it will be Jesus' moment of glory and triumph. And He will "leave the Temple". He will leave behind the Old Covenant of which the Temple is a symbol and become present in a new Temple, the Body of the Risen Christ - that is, you and me.