Readings: Isaiah 49:8-15, Ps. 145:8-9,13b-14,17-18, John 5:17-30“
This was why the Jews sought all the more to kill him because he not only broke the Sabbath but also called God his Father, making himself equal with God.” (John 5:18)
In seeking to kill Jesus, the Jews felt they were doing something right. In their eyes, Jesus was a lawbreaker, a man who had no respect for God’s day of rest. No matter how many miracles and signs Jesus worked, the Jews were not convinced and they ended up fulfilling all the Messianic promises about Jesus by killing him.
It is quite an irony that those who killed the Son of God were deeply convinced in their heart that they were offering service to God. What lesson does this teach us?
Don’t be too quick to destroy or bring people down simply because you don’t agree with them. Ask yourself, “what if I am wrong?” The truth is that you cannot always be right. There is always going to be something you can learn from those who hold different opinions from you. The key thing is humility.
Today’s first reading contains what I call the Great Assurance. God speaking through the prophet Isaiah says to us: “In a time of favor I have answered you; in a day of salvation, I have helped you… Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you.” (Isaiah 49:8,15).
Regardless of what life throws at you, know that God will never abandon or forsake you.
Let us pray: Heavenly Father, give me faith even now not to take your presence for granted even when things are rough. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Wednesday of the 4th week of Lent, Bible Study: Isaiah 49:8-15, Ps. 145:8-9,13b-14,17-18, John 5:17-30).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu