Monday of the Fourth Week of Lent 2019

This fourth week of Lent leads us into the second half of our journey toward Easter. In today’s gospel, a royal official whose son was very sick goes to Jesus asking for pity. Jesus challenges him and all of us who don’t believe without “signs and wonders” before responding to his request for healing. The official, a VIP of his time, humbly listens and perseveres in prayer without missing a beat. Even then, Jesus does not accompany him to his house as requested. Rather, Jesus says to him: “You may go, your son will live.” And he goes in faith to find his son healed as Jesus promised.

In the person of Jesus, our loving God is willing and ready to bless us abundantly and to heal us. Are we listening with open hearts? Are we humble enough to pay attention even when the answer to our prayer is not what we expect?

As we continue to prepare for Holy Week and Easter, Jesus reminds us that He remains in charge. He says to us today “You may go,” prayers are answered in God’s time, not yours. We then go, like the royal official, no question asked - trusting our Lord and Savior and believing in Him.