First Reading (Is 65,17-21)
Reading the Book of the Prophet Isaiah.
Thus says the Lord: Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth, former things will be forgotten, they will not return to memory. On the contrary, there will be endless joy and exultation because of the things I will create; I will make Jerusalem a city of exultation and a people full of joy.
I also exult in Jerusalem and rejoice in my people; there the voice of tears and the scream of pain will never be heard again. There will be no children condemned to only a few days of life nor elderly people who will not complete their days. Anyone who dies at the age of one hundred will be considered young; and whoever does not reach a hundred years of age will be cursed. They will build houses to live in, they will plant vineyards to eat their fruit.
– Word of the Lord.
– Thank God.
Gospel (John 4,43-54)
— PROCLAMATION of the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John.
— Glory to you, Lord.
At that time, Jesus left Samaria for Galilee. Jesus himself had declared that a prophet is not honored in his own land. When he then arrived in Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him, because they had seen everything that Jesus had done in Jerusalem during the feast. Because they too had gone to the party. So Jesus returned to Cana in Galilee, where he had turned water into wine.
There was a king’s servant in Capernaum who had a sick son. He heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee. He went out to meet him and asked him to go to Capernaum to heal his son, who was dying. Jesus said to him, “Unless you see signs and wonders, you will not believe.” The king’s official said: “Sir, come down, before my son dies!” Jesus said to him: “You can go, your son is alive”. The man believed Jesus’ word and left.
As he went down to Capernaum, his servants met him, saying that his son was alive. The employee asked what time the boy had gotten better. They replied: “The fever disappeared, yesterday, at one in the afternoon”. The father found that it was exactly the same time that Jesus had told him: “Your son is alive”. So, he embraced faith, along with his entire family. This was Jesus’ second sign. He accomplished it when he returned from Judea to Galilee.
— Word of Salvation.
— Glory to you, Lord.
Reflecting the Word of God
Dear brothers and sisters, may the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Today, I would like to share a message that invites us to reflect on the incredible mercy of God, which manifests itself amidst our daily experiences. As we delve into the biblical passages that have been presented to us – the First Reading from the Book of Isaiah and the Gospel according to John – we will discover the depth of God’s love and the promise of salvation that He offers us.
Imagine yourselves on a sunny day, when everything seems perfect and life is in harmony. You walk through a garden full of colorful flowers, feeling the gentle breeze caress your face. In that moment, you are enveloped by a sense of joy and peace. This is the image that the First Reading brings us. The prophet Isaiah transports us to a glorious future, where God promises to create new heavens and a new earth, where there will be no pain, sorrow, or death. It is a vision of hope and restoration, where all things will be renewed.
This promise of God is a source of comfort for us, especially when we face difficult times. Life is not always a sunny garden; often we are confronted with challenges, pains, and losses. But God assures us that He is in control and that one day all things will be restored. He invites us to look beyond present difficulties and to fix our eyes on future hope.
However, it is important to remember that this promise is not only for the future but also has implications in our lives here and now. The Gospel according to John presents us with a powerful example of this. Jesus meets a royal official who begs for the healing of his son, who is on the brink of death. The official is desperate, but Jesus tells him, “Go, your son will live.” The official believes Jesus’ word, and when he returns home, he finds his son alive and well.
This story teaches us about the importance of faith and trust in God. The royal official was facing a desperate situation, but he chose to trust in Jesus, believing that He had the power to change the situation. And Jesus did not disappoint him. He healed the official’s son, demonstrating the power and mercy of God.
This story challenges us to examine our own faith. When we face difficulties, are we able to trust in God in the same way? Or do we allow ourselves to be consumed by worry and fear? Jesus invites us to trust in Him, even when circumstances seem impossible. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is the God who heals, restores, and brings life where there is death.
These passages remind us that God is present in all areas of our lives. He is not just a distant and inaccessible God; He is a God who cares about our struggles and who desires to offer us hope and healing. He is actively involved in our lives, even when we do not perceive Him.
Just as the royal official, we are called to trust in God, believe in His Word, and act according to His will. When we face challenges, when we encounter impossible situations, we should remember that God is with us. He is our refuge, our strength, and our hope.
And how can we apply these spiritual truths in our daily lives? Let me give you some practical guidelines:
First, cultivate a life of prayer. Prayer is the means by which we connect with God, where we offer our concerns, petitions, and thanksgiving. When we approach God in prayer, He hears us and responds. He grants us peace that surpasses all understanding.
Second, read and meditate on the Word of God. The Bible is God’s revelation to us, containing His promises, principles, and teachings. By immersing ourselves in Scripture, we are spiritually nourished and strengthened. The Word of God guides us in our decisions and offers us wisdom to face life’s challenges.
Third, seek communion with other believers. The Christian life is not a solitary journey. God has given us each other for encouragement, support, and spiritual growth. By gathering in community, we share our joys and sorrows, pray for one another, and strengthen each other.
Fourth, practice love and compassion. Just as Jesus showed love and compassion to the royal official, we are called to love and care for one another. Let us be sensitive to the needs of those around us and be willing to extend a helping hand. God’s love is manifested through our actions.
Fifth, live lives of gratitude. Despite the difficulties we face, there are always reasons to thank God. Thank Him for His faithfulness, His goodness, and His daily blessings. Gratitude keeps us humble and reminds us that everything we have comes from God.
Dear brothers and sisters, may these words inspire and challenge you to live according to the truths of these biblical passages. May we trust in God in all circumstances, knowing that He is able to bring hope, healing, and restoration. May we draw near to Him in prayer, meditate on His Word, seek communion with other believers, practice love and compassion, and live lives of gratitude.
May the grace and peace of God be with you. Amen.
