Gospel: March 16, 2026
March 16, 2026 (Monday)
4th Week of Lent
Psalter: Week 4 (Violet)
Ps 30: 2 &4. 5-6. 11-12a & 13b
I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me.
1st Reading: Isaiah 65:17-21
Gospel: John 4:43-54
When the two days were over, Jesus left for Galilee. Jesus himself said that no prophet is recognized in his own country. Yet the Galileans welcomed him when he arrived, because of all the things which he had done in Jerusalem during the Festival, and which they had seen. For they, too, had gone to the feast.
Jesus went back to Cana of Galilee, where he had changed the water into wine. At Capernaum there was an official, whose son was ill, and when he heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went and asked him to come and heal his son, for he was at the point of death.
Jesus said, “Unless you see signs and wonders, you will not believe!” The official said, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” And Jesus replied, “Go, your son lives!”
The man had faith in the word that Jesus spoke to him, and went his way. As he was approaching his house, his servants met him, and gave him the good news, “Your son has recovered!” So he asked them at what hour the child began to recover, and they said to him, “The fever left him yesterday, at about one o’clock in the afternoon.” And the father realized that that was the time when Jesus had told him, “Your son lives!” And he became a believer, he and all his family.
Jesus performed this second miraculous sign when he returned from Judea to Galilee.
Reflection:
Faith is about cultivating a trusting relationship.
The Gospel story highlights faith and healing as a royal official requests Jesus’ help for his sick son. The official’s urgent plea illustrates the deep emotions of a parent’s love and concern. Notably, Jesus replies, “Go, your son lives.”
The official must decide to trust Jesus’ words without having any immediate proof of healing. This highlights a key aspect of faith: believing in something beyond what we can see or control. In our lives, we often encounter moments when we must choose to have faith despite not knowing what will happen, whether dealing with illness, losing a job, or facing personal challenges.
The main message of this passage encourages us to understand that faith is not just about requesting miracles but also about cultivating a trusting relationship. The official’s journey from desperation to belief illustrates how faith can transform our experiences, helping us discover hope even in difficult times. By embracing this type of faith, we can face life’s uncertainties with resilience, fostering a stronger bond with those we care about and the opportunities that lie ahead.
