Readings: Isaiah 49:8-15, Ps. 145:8-9,13b-14,17-18, John 5:17-30
“Can a woman forget her nursing child, or show no compassion for the child of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you.” (Isaiah 49:15)
- Yesterday, we read of the healing of the sick man at the Pool of Bethzatha, who was bedridden for thirty-eight years. The Jews were angry with Jesus because, for them, by healing this man on a Sabbath Day, Jesus had broken the Law. Jesus once healed a man with a withered hand on a Sabbath Day. Jesus asked the Jews: “I ask you, is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the Sabbath, to save life or to destroy it?” (Luke 6:9).
- What would you do if you knew people wanted to kill you for healing people on a Sabbath Day? This reveals the nature of God’s love. As Isaiah says in the First Reading, God’s love for us is like that of a mother who sacrifices for a child. What do we learn from today’s readings?
1. There is Nothing to Gain From Sin: Isaiah addressed today’s First Reading to people who were in distress. The Israelites were bleeding from the wounds of captivity; their strong men and women had become slaves, and nothing was left of their national dignity. When life was sweet for them, they turned to worship idols, but when it was time to reap the blessings of these idols, they accused God of abandoning them. Why do we only remember God when we are suffering?
2. Even Now, God Still Cares: Are you asking: “God, where are you?” The answer is: “I am always here with you. I can never leave you, and you can never leave me.” The Psalmist put it beautifully: “Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there. If I take the wings of the morning and settle at the farthest limits of the sea, even there, your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me fast. If I say, ‘Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light around me become night,’ even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as day, for darkness is as light to you. You formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother's womb.” (Psalm 139:7-13) God has not and can never abandon you.
3. It is Never Late for God: Speaking through the Prophet Isaiah, God says: “In a time of favour I have answered you, on a day of salvation I have helped you; I have kept you and given you as a covenant to the people, to establish the land, to apportion the desolate heritages.” (Isaiah 49:8) Your time of favour is coming, and it is never late. It was not late for Lazarus; it will not be late for you.
4. Hatred is Blindness: Instead of the Jews celebrating the arrival of one who restores life and hope, they sought to kill him. Several times, the Jews demanded signs, yet every time Jesus did the impossible, all they could see was a lawbreaker, a carpenter who dared to call God his Father. They could not see that only God could do the things Jesus was doing. Is there someone you hate? Do you know if God sent this person as your saviour? Do not allow hatred to make you blind; crush it before it consumes you.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, we beg you to give us a deeper faith. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Wednesday of the 4th week of Lent, Liturgical Colour: Violet. Bible Study: Isaiah 49:8-15, Ps. 145:8-9,13b-14,17-18, John 5:17-30).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu