This week's Collect and proper Scripture passages tie together the themes of God's covenant, His people, and the priestly work of Christ in salvation. The Epistle reading from Hebrews 9 explains how Christ is our high priest who enters the sanctuary in heaven. The Gospel, from John 8, portrays Jesus as the Covenant God of Abraham, as He proclaims to be "I Am." The Old Testament lessons come from Exodus, chapters 3 and 5, and show how the God of Moses revealed His name as I Am and promised to deliver His people from Egypt. Israel of old was not always faithful, however, and often blamed God for their afflictions. Nevertheless, God remains faithful.