St Francis of Paola, Hermit, pray for us
4th Week of Lent (C) : Wednesday 2nd April 2025
Is 49:8-15; Ps 144 (145):8-9, 13-14, 17-18; Jn 5:17-30 (Ps Wk IV)
In the virtual world, relationships are superficial because the identities are disguised. Jesus, however, discloses His intimate relationship with God to indicate His words and deeds are based on a highly, mutually loving relationship. Because of what Jesus says about His close relationship with His Father, the so-called “Jews” are intent on killing Him. In their mind, Jesus is not only content with breaking the Sabbath, He equates Himself with God. Jesus must have felt sad by their accusations.
Yet He was not deterred from offering the consolations in a true relationship with His Father. This is found in Him saying the following: “The Father loves the Son. The Son follows what the Father does. The Father has revealed everything to the Son and entrusted all to the Son. The Father has made the Son the source of life.”
Drawing from Prophet Isaiah, in an authentic relationship with God, I am assured: “At the favourable time I will answer you” (Is 49:8) – Jesus knows His Father answers Him. “For the Lord consoles his people” (Is 49:13) – Jesus is consoled by the Father. “I will never forget you” (Is 49:15) – Jesus is never forgotten by the Father. Hence, reading these reflection points, I pray that I can draw strength from God to support me when I am afflicted in different ways.
O God, I know and believe that You will hold me deeply in a loving way, for even when a woman forgets her baby at the breast, You will never forget me.
