March 11, Monday of the Fourth Week of Lent
Daily Readings: Isaiah 65:17–21; John 4:43–54
Many believe that Christianity offers hope as a central tenet. Christians have something to live for and look forward to. Today's first reading from the Book of Prophet Isaiah is taken from Trito-Isaiah, a book that focuses on rebuilding the wall, city, and temple of Jerusalem together with its community. God promises to create new heavens and a new earth. The beauty lies in the fact that God has no time to brood over the past. He looks forward to the future. He vouches to bring joy and happiness to people. He will also make sure that people live for a long time.
Longevity will be considered a blessing, while the one who dies young is accursed. Stability in life is defined as living in one's own home and eating the fruits of the vineyards they have planted. A sense of gratitude should linger on in the hearts of the people who go out of their way to create and sustain His universe. As a result, in Ps. 30, the Psalmist invites them to praise the Lord!
The Gospel Reading of today narrates the second sign that Jesus worked in Capernaum of Galilee. The tendency of the people is very well verbalized by Jesus in his answer to the Royal official’s son. Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will not believe” (John 4:48). The man wants Jesus to come down to his house, but Jesus just tells him to go back. The man believes, and it makes all the difference. The man verifies that Jesus assures that his son will live and be healed at the same time. The healing is instant.
There is a tele-healing taking place here. It is a modern concept, but Jesus practiced it two thousand years ago. What is heartening about the whole episode is that he and his entire family come to believe in Jesus. Every sign and miracle of Jesus has an end or a purpose, namely to believe in Jesus. Believing in Jesus is as important as expressing and living that faith! The man did it!
Holy Mother Church honors the memory of the martyr St. Eulogius of Cordoba. He brought comfort and consolation to the people during the Islamic persecutions of Christians in Spain.
Call to Action for Catholic Living: Those of us who encounter Jesus in the Word of God and the Bread of God are truly blessed if we can transform our encounters into actions. Are we ready for the challenge?
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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