Never Lose Hope! Christ Is Our Help

Monday of the 4th week of Lent

Isaiah 65:17-21
John 4:43-54

The promise of a better life takes center stage in our readings today. In today’s first reading, Isaiah paints a hopeful picture of how special Jerusalem will be for God’s followers. He speaks God’s Word announcing a whole new life, a recreated life without pain and sadness.

In the text, God tells us that those blessings will mean that the sound of weeping will no longer be heard and that infants will no longer die after a few days.

In today’s gospel, we are also given the hope that comes with trusting in Jesus Christ and his words. we see Jesus fulfilling the text from Isaiah as He cures the son of a court official which also removes the mourning veil from over the official’s house.

The official had wanted Jesus to come to the house and cure the boy but Jesus would not go, preferring instead to tell the man his son was saved. The man believed and went on his way.

We are called not to put our trust, faith, and confidence in miracles but the miracles and signs are to lead us to Jesus Christ. This is the faith that all believers should practice—although we may not see it visibly, we must trust in our faith in God. Time and distance are not obstacles to God’s miraculous powers. Just like the man in this story, never lose hope! There is always a way.

Jesus is the way for the signs are only directing us to him. He is the true sign of holiness and obedience to the Father. We must ask and move forward believing that our prayers will be answered. When we do this, our faith is exercised, and it will grow and be strengthened. We should demonstrate to others how God’s blessings come through our faith in Him. We should be glad at the marvelous deeds the Lord wrought for us.

What am I doing to show my belief in the promise of a better life? How can I assist those who journey with me so that they will keep their eyes focused on our eternal & joy-filled destination, the gift that Jesus has given to us through His death & resurrection? May God grant us the grace to keep our focus on the destination to which we are being called, and yet also pay attention to those who travel along with us. Amen.

PRAYER

I take refuge in you, O Lord; save me from every danger and deliver me from every evil. May our expectation of your mercy and benevolence never be in vain, O Lord, and may your touch bring us an all-round healing and victory. Amen.

Fr Joseph Osho