The Gospel
John 4:43‑54
Go, your son will live.
Jesus heals the court official's son.
St. Gaspar
Let us, therefore, pray for one another and put all our trials in the wounds of the crucified Jesus. There we shall find a healing remedy --- consolation, encouragement and salvation. Let us sincerely love our Society "with the holy kiss"[1] so that "we too might live a new life."[2] But above all, let us continually watch that the enemy does not deceive us: and may "the peace of God which is so much greater than we can understand, guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.[3]"[4]
"With regard to your soul, I say, in the first place, that God is leading you along the royal path of the Cross in your particular station of life with both internal and external sufferings. ... It is now a winter season ..-. but eventually that lovable spring will arrive which will enable us to breathe again in the fatherland of the saints. Oh how we are comforted in our souls by the mysteries of the Resurrection! Yes, please pray that I too may truly be risen with Jesus, that is to say, to a new life and to an eager pursuit of holiness.”[5]
Reflection
Lent moves into a new depth. The Gospel of John is read from Monday of the fourth week of Lent through Tuesday of Holy Week, focusing on the needs of those who are preparing for the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil, and those who are preparing to renew the vows of their baptism at Easter.
In this the second of his signs, Jesus reveals that he is the Way, the Truth and the Life. The reference to Cana reminds us of the life and joy at that feast and the wine of the new covenant. Jesus challenges us not to focus on sign and wonders but on the faith in his word. The Royal official believed not in the signs and wonders, but in Jesus as the source of life and goes on his way grounded in that faith. That he and his entire family became believers is a source of inspiration for those who are also being initiated in the faith.
St. Gaspar leads us on this same way, through faith in the mysteries of Jesus' cross and his word to the springtime of our own participation in the resurrection. He prays that the enemy may not deceive us with a dependence on signs and wonders, but Gaspar draws us to the wounds of Jesus so that we too may come to the fullness of life in Christ.
[1] 1 Th 5:26
[2] Rm 6:4
[3] Ph 4:7
[4] from first Circular letter 1826
[5] to Mother Maria Nazzarena De Castris,10 April 1830, Letter 2026, Resources‑23, Strokes of the Pen IV, pg 45
John 4:43‑54
Go, your son will live.
Jesus heals the court official's son.
St. Gaspar
Let us, therefore, pray for one another and put all our trials in the wounds of the crucified Jesus. There we shall find a healing remedy --- consolation, encouragement and salvation. Let us sincerely love our Society "with the holy kiss"[1] so that "we too might live a new life."[2] But above all, let us continually watch that the enemy does not deceive us: and may "the peace of God which is so much greater than we can understand, guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.[3]"[4]
"With regard to your soul, I say, in the first place, that God is leading you along the royal path of the Cross in your particular station of life with both internal and external sufferings. ... It is now a winter season ..-. but eventually that lovable spring will arrive which will enable us to breathe again in the fatherland of the saints. Oh how we are comforted in our souls by the mysteries of the Resurrection! Yes, please pray that I too may truly be risen with Jesus, that is to say, to a new life and to an eager pursuit of holiness.”[5]
Reflection
Lent moves into a new depth. The Gospel of John is read from Monday of the fourth week of Lent through Tuesday of Holy Week, focusing on the needs of those who are preparing for the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil, and those who are preparing to renew the vows of their baptism at Easter.
In this the second of his signs, Jesus reveals that he is the Way, the Truth and the Life. The reference to Cana reminds us of the life and joy at that feast and the wine of the new covenant. Jesus challenges us not to focus on sign and wonders but on the faith in his word. The Royal official believed not in the signs and wonders, but in Jesus as the source of life and goes on his way grounded in that faith. That he and his entire family became believers is a source of inspiration for those who are also being initiated in the faith.
St. Gaspar leads us on this same way, through faith in the mysteries of Jesus' cross and his word to the springtime of our own participation in the resurrection. He prays that the enemy may not deceive us with a dependence on signs and wonders, but Gaspar draws us to the wounds of Jesus so that we too may come to the fullness of life in Christ.
- What signs and wonders do I depend on for faith?
- In what ways do I prepare to renew the vows of my baptism?
- What royal path is God leading me on this lent?
[1] 1 Th 5:26
[2] Rm 6:4
[3] Ph 4:7
[4] from first Circular letter 1826
[5] to Mother Maria Nazzarena De Castris,10 April 1830, Letter 2026, Resources‑23, Strokes of the Pen IV, pg 45
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