Word to the Wise
Monday, March 7, 2016 - 4th Week of Lent - Mon
[Isa 65:17-21 and John 4:43-54]MONDAY, MARCH 7, 2016. MONDAY IN THE FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME [Isaiah 65:17-21 and John 4:43-54] Jesus said to him, "Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will not believe." The royal official said to him, "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. [John] This incident is similar to the one involving a Roman centurion and a favorite servant who was dying. In each case, the one requesting Jesus' help was willing to believe Jesus' word with no further action needed. This kind of faith is truly radical. The Royal official did not need to "see" a physical action. He showed that he could "see" Jesus' power and that is all he needed. How does our own faith compare with that of the Royal official? Do we need a miracle as the price of our faith? The Royal official was willing to believe at first that Jesus could come to his home to heal his son. (This is different from the centurion who was confident of Jesus' power.). But when Jesus told him his child would live and to go home, he was willing to accept that word. Furthermore, his entire household came to believe without even meeting Jesus! This is the story of faith. We come to belief and we share it with others. Or do we? AMEN