Mar
23
2020
By Anonymous (not verified)
When he came into Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him, since they had seen all he had done in Jerusalem at the feast ... . - Jn 4:45
"Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will not believe" (Jn 4:48). Certainly, the Galileans deserve this reprimand. But, Jesus isn't addressing them in today's Gospel reading. He speaks to the royal official who is coming to ask Jesus to come save his dying son.
This judgement is a bit surprising when you consider that the man had traveled about 20 to 25 miles from Capernaum to Galilee because he had heard Jesus was there. But when Christ points out the official's weakness, he does not protest. Instead, he allows Jesus' mercy to reach him through his humility. He asks, "Sir, come down before my child dies" (Jn 4:49). Jesus responds, "You may go; your son will live" (Jn 4:50).
Wait a minute. Jesus is saying He doesn't even have to go to different places to work miracles; His word will suffice. What a test for a new believer! The man passes this test, as we read: "The man believed what Jesus said to him and left " (Jn 4:50). The reward of this official's trust was not just for himself or even for his son, but for the entire household that would come to believe (Jn 4:53).
When our faith is tested, we need to remember that there are benefits to persisting in faith, for ourselves and those around us.
Prayer: Lord, I know You are Love and Mercy Itself. Please help me to persevere in faith and trust.
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"Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will not believe" (Jn 4:48). Certainly, the Galileans deserve this reprimand. But, Jesus isn't addressing them in today's Gospel reading. He speaks to the royal official who is coming to ask Jesus to come save his dying son.
This judgement is a bit surprising when you consider that the man had traveled about 20 to 25 miles from Capernaum to Galilee because he had heard Jesus was there. But when Christ points out the official's weakness, he does not protest. Instead, he allows Jesus' mercy to reach him through his humility. He asks, "Sir, come down before my child dies" (Jn 4:49). Jesus responds, "You may go; your son will live" (Jn 4:50).
Wait a minute. Jesus is saying He doesn't even have to go to different places to work miracles; His word will suffice. What a test for a new believer! The man passes this test, as we read: "The man believed what Jesus said to him and left " (Jn 4:50). The reward of this official's trust was not just for himself or even for his son, but for the entire household that would come to believe (Jn 4:53).
When our faith is tested, we need to remember that there are benefits to persisting in faith, for ourselves and those around us.
Prayer: Lord, I know You are Love and Mercy Itself. Please help me to persevere in faith and trust.
See all meditations to date
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