All He Had Done

Greetings on this the Monday of the Fourth Week of Lent
Readings: Is 65:17-21; PS 30:2 and 4, 5-6, 11-12a and 13b; Jn 4:43-54

Note: Sorry no homily blog for the 4th Sunday of Lent. Busy days for sure.
We enter the next phase of Lent. Who is Jesus and what does he promise?

It is very helpful to write daily as it helps me keep the focus on the mission of Jesus. I hope it is valuable to you.

The first two ‘signs’ of Jesus were performed in Cana. The first the water into wine at the wedding. The second, read today, the healing of the royal official son. It is always beneficial to consider these two events at one location are brackets to particular events as a related sets of events.

Between the first and second sign of Jesus:

1. Cleansing of the Temple (a form of teaching).
2. Signs he was doing in Jerusalem (though none are actually named).
3. John the Baptist teaches he must increase and I must decrease.
4. Taught Nicodemus.
5. Taught the Samaritan woman (and Samaritan conversions occur).

Galileans welcomed him

Of the signs he performed on that trip to Jerusalem we do not know if we read strictly chronologically. It is useful to allow the text to NOT focus on miracles but focus on trust in and faithfulness of God.

The list I put above is about right worship and correct teaching.

But the Galileans knew and wanted more. Jesus addresses their desires as not focusing on the importance of what is happening as more than the signs themselves.

But for the royal official:

Sir, come down before my child dies.”
Jesus said to him, “You may go; your son will live.”
The man believed what Jesus said to him and left.

The Man Believed

He didn’t linger only trusted Jesus at his word.
He and his whole household came to believe.

Trust the Lord. He is faithful.
Sing with the psalmist: I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me.

Rescue in this life and assurance of the life to come.

Signs are helpful and wonderful. Signs cannot be their own end. They must point instead to the one who loves and encourage us to enter this love.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry